Deep sand bed question

[Kushgodrex]

A third of my tank has a 4-5 inch deep sand bed, it gradually slopes down to about 1 inch foreground and 2-3 background. Now I understand how gases get caught in there, but I hate disturbing my sand bed and bringing all the bacteria(the darker sand if I'm correct) to the top layer my sand sifters usually eat it but still I don't like it. How long do you think it would take for those gases to dissolve into the water Column and kill my fish?

 

[venymae]

I've heard that running a butterknife through the sand will release gas fast (so it does not build up in water) and not mix it up. Might be worth a try.

 

[t4runnr]

A bunch of mts will take care if that.