Sand in freshwater

[ShadyFish04]

Hey there, I was wondering if i need to sift through my sand in my freshwater aquarium regularly. I read in the past that you need to move the sand around to get the air bubbles out or something like that. Is it necessary to do this often? I use to do it when i first started my tank but don't anymore due to the plants I have in there. Thanks

 

[Fresh2o]

Normally you should not have to do this unless it is VERY deep.
Plant roots will actually aid in the transfer of nutrients and gases within the sand (or any substrate). The exception would be dirt under sand; gases build up so poking the substrate regularly will release them.

 

[ShadyFish04]

Yeah it didn't seem like any bubbles were being released when i did it. Thanks for the help