tarpon
Aquarium Advice Addict
Hey if I change to sand in my fw tank do I have to worry about air pockets forming in the sand? I heard something about like toxic gasses forming under it
sand question
- Thread starter tarpon
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That rarely happens, and then only if it is not done properly or maintained properly. If the sand is not too deep, and you stir it up a bit when you do your PWCs, it will be fine. Mr. Limpet had an ingenious method (I think it was Mr. Limpet). He just rubber banded a toothpick to the end of his gravel vac. He kind of then pokes it into the sand a bit as he siphons out water, and that is more than enough to keep the sand bed healthy.
This is more of an urban legend imo than a legitimate concern. Many, many people use PFS or other sand in their tanks with no problems whatsoever.
This is more of an urban legend imo than a legitimate concern. Many, many people use PFS or other sand in their tanks with no problems whatsoever.
jcolon
Aquarium Advice Addict
I wouldn't worry too much about that, the worry is that trapped gases become oxygen poor and develop anoxic conditions. However those gas pockets would be small and the amount of such gasses not present a real danger. This would happen with very fine sand, bigger concern is clouding up the tank during a gravel vac. However PFS is course enough to allow water and gases to flow and
better avoid those gas pockets.
better avoid those gas pockets.
OP
OP
tarpon
Aquarium Advice Addict
Ahhh okay thanks.
How deep would you say I need to have my sandbed to have live plants in it? Is 1inch enough?
How deep would you say I need to have my sandbed to have live plants in it? Is 1inch enough?
jcolon
Aquarium Advice Addict
I'd go at least 2 inches, let the roots anchor into the sand, especially if your plants grow well.
OP
OP
tarpon
Aquarium Advice Addict
Alright....how many lbs do you think 2inches in a 29gal would be?
jcolon
Aquarium Advice Addict
OP
OP
tarpon
Aquarium Advice Addict
It says 55 lbs.....maybe ill just keep my gravel bc idk if my desk can take that extra weight
jcolon
Aquarium Advice Addict
Have to agree with fort384 on this one, if your desk can't handle the "extra" weight of the sand, then don't use it period. The sand will not me that much heavier than gravel.
OP
OP
tarpon
Aquarium Advice Addict
Ahh okay. The desk is probly fine. Its as solid as the stands I've seen. I'm just paranoid
