Sand Sifting Fish?

[lillykinloo]

I was wondering if there are any fish that would be appropriate for my new 6 gallon aquarium? I have two baby cories that are being rehomed in this aquarium (they are trinileatus, and I am waiting for the fish store to get more-I hope to have about 5-6 total). Since this is just a 6 gallon aquarium, I am only planning on having the cories. However, the substrate is sand, and I am worried about having anaerobic pockets. So, I was wondering if there is any kind of sand sifting fish that would be appropriate to add to the 6 gallon aquarium that would live peacefully with the Cories? I was looking at getting an apple snail? But, some of the articles I read suggested that these guys get pretty big. Any other ideas? Cheers!

 

[loachman]

I was wondering if there are any fish that would be appropriate for my new 6 gallon aquarium? I have two baby cories that are being rehomed in this aquarium (they are trinileatus, and I am waiting for the fish store to get more-I hope to have about 5-6 total). Since this is just a 6 gallon aquarium, I am only planning on having the cories. However, the substrate is sand, and I am worried about having anaerobic pockets. So, I was wondering if there is any kind of sand sifting fish that would be appropriate to add to the 6 gallon aquarium that would live peacefully with the Cories? I was looking at getting an apple snail? But, some of the articles I read suggested that these guys get pretty big. Any other ideas? Cheers!

The best way would probably be to just stir up the sand each week by gently running your fingers through it when you clean the tank (turn the filter off when you do and for a couple minutes after to ensure it doesn't suck up sand). Also, if the sand layer is thin (not much more than an inch) you reduce the chance of anaerobic bacterial growth.

 

[invader]

As stated above, you could do it manually or you can get MTS. I'm not sure about the bioload on that tank, though, so you might want to check in the Inverts area.