how to prevent dead spots?

[waxley]

I've got a layer of gravel in the back of my tank about 6 -7 inches deep that is supported by two big pieces of slate acting as a retaining wall. The idea was to have deeper substrate for my deeper rooting crypts here and so far, they're doing fine. Will this eventually form dangerous anaerobic dead spots? My substrate is a mixture of flourite and some coarser gravel.

This has been set up for a year and a half and I have had no problems. The rocks are also sitting on top of a thin layer of gravel. I have tons of snails (probably Malaysian Trumpet Snails) that burrow through the gravel all the time but I'm not sure if they get that deep. I've pondered upon slapping one of those external reptile tank heater stickers on the bottom to encourage water movement from the bottom. Would that do anything? How would I know if I had a dead spot

On that note, would this (probably ghetto) reptile heater sticker idea help out with growing plants in general? I'm under the impression that under gravel cable heating heating doesn't help as much as some may think.

Thanks!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

no those do not work. another option would be chop sticks. even with crypts 4-5 inch would be fine. 6-7 seems a little over kill though. there really isnt too much you can do with out disturbing the plants. you can use chop sticks to help mix it up some or other type sticks.

 

[Cory Keeper]

if your worried about dead spots, get a koralia.

And I think in most cases the anerobic pockets being trouble are a little bit over hyped. I have a good 3-4" depth with no MTS and so far no issues, and I don't go stirring the sand either. Plus reefers will use deep sand beds to eliminate nitrates, I can't see how FW is any different.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

there is a live bed. think of bio sand filters.

 

[jpappy789]

I wouldn't say it's overhyped. When someone notices releasing bubbles and then dead fish the next day it's not a coincidence...personally I don't stir deep all that often. Most comes from gravel vacs (in open areas) and the occasional stir here and there closer to plants. In my 55 my cichlids do enough moving around of the sand on their own.

 

[Jag1980]

if your worried about dead spots, get a koralia.

:thm:

 

[jpappy789]

A PH prevents dead spots on the surface...how would that help with a deep substrate?

 

[Jag1980]

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