Anaerobic Bacteria

[YesRushGen]

During the course of researching Sand Substrates, I have read about anaerobic pockets that can form. It's either recommend to stir the san occasionally during vacuuming, or to have creatures that move through the sand. Also, I've read that anaerobic pockets can form in areas of the substrate that have little or no water flow. Places like under rocks, or under the lip of a hollowed out ornament.

I've also read that there are two types (probably more). (1) Species that converts NitrAtes into Nitrogen gas and (2) Species that produce Hydrogen SULFIDE gas!!! Yikes!

Reading this has, understandably, caused me some concern. How do I prevent these "things" from forming in my tank? Is it less of a concern with more course-grained substrates? How will I even know if they are present and, if they ever are, what do I do about them?

Thanks for any info you can provide! I was originally planning a sand substrate for my 55, but am starting to have second thoughts now.

 

[tstenback]

I have had sand in a 33 gal for over 2 years and have had no problem. I just do regular maintenance and clean the crap off the top of the sand. The only things that stir up the sand are a handful of cories and a few snails. HTH

 

[jams.alaskan]

You can just use a chopstick or something to poke around in the sand a little once a month.

ALASKA

Go sand!

 

[YesRushGen]

I really do want to "go sand" in my 55, and will probaly do so. (But how do you go about vacumming/cleaning the sand? Isn't it so fine that the vacum will just suck it out along with the water?)

Regarding the anaerobic guys, what about my graveled 20 long and 10 gallon tanks? Other than cleaning the gravel during vacumming, is there any other way to prevent these buggers from taking hold? I do perform my regular maintanance (tanks are still cycling) of w/c and gravel vac.

Thanks!

Kelly

 

[tstenback]

I really do want to "go sand" in my 55, and will probaly do so. (But how do you go about vacumming/cleaning the sand? Isn't it so fine that the vacum will just suck it out along with the water?)

Regarding the anaerobic guys, what about my graveled 20 long and 10 gallon tanks? Other than cleaning the gravel during vacumming, is there any other way to prevent these buggers from taking hold? I do perform my regular maintanance (tanks are still cycling) of w/c and gravel vac.

Thanks!

Kelly

I wouldnt panic over this. If you look after the tank as it seems you do then this will never be a problem. When you vacuum the gravel pick up the ornaments and vacuum under there too.
I dont vacuum the sand. The sand is tightly packed and all the garbage just sits on top. I just take the vacuum and go just above the surface of the sand to suck it all up.
Again dont be too concerned about anaerobic bacteria if your tank is well maintained you have very little to worry about. If it concerns you just use the method jams mentioned and disturb the sand every once in a while. HTH

 

[YesRushGen]

Ok, thanks! I tend to be a "worrywart" when I learn new things that can potentially go wrong, I suppose. In my prior fishkeeping life of 7 years, which ended about 2 years ago, we ended up loosing our entire 120 gallon population of Oscars and Plecos in a very short time period. (At that time, I knew nothing of this forum or FishGeeks) Because of those losses, I'm just trying to be sure I do everthing right this time.

Thanks again,

Kelly

 

[Teelie]

Also, these pockets are only really a threat if your sand is 2" or more deeper and even then they're not a problem with plants or creatures that stir the sand. I've got sand in all of my tanks save the 5 gallon and have had no problems yet with any kinds of pockets.