sand substrate

S

snakeskinner

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Dec 27, 2003
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I've heard several talks about how sand for substrate is a bad idea due to some chemicals building up in air pockets. I'm wondering if I should be worried in this case. I purchased a banjo cat and saw someone post a photo how they had made a small spot for the banjo cat to burrow into some sand since that is what they do best. I have rock substrate in my 36 gallon and there is no way he could burrow into it. I have a 6" terra cotta flower pot base (the short piece that is like a dish) and plan to add regular old tan colored sand and bury it to the rim in the substrate so it is just a round circle of sand for him to burrow in. the sand will probably be no more than 1" deep 6" circle. Would I be likely to see a problem with this? I doubt I will vacuum the sand and I don't want any chemical problems because of this. Kyle
 
The banjo and other fish will likely keep it well enough stirred to prevent the formation of anaerobic pockets. Otherwise, you can stir it up yourself by dragging the handle portion of a wooden spoon through it regularly. I've never had a problem with the sand in any of my tanks--but they are all planted and most have fish that dig around a lot.
 
how often is regularly, once a week? thanks for the reply, KYle
 
Once a week should be often enough. Just be careful when you do this--the banjo won't appreciate being whacked on the nose with a wooden stick, so you'll have to figure out where the fish is first.
 
Sand substrate is great I use it. Ive never had any probs at all. It also looks more natural. Im my 20 tall I have a 2 inch layer of sand and a then layer of grave over it.
 
Yep. It's the disturbance once this process has begun that can be a problem--the nitrates break down into some toxic substances that are normally further processed by other bacteria. If these layers of bacteria are disturbed, the toxins can be released into the tank. I've never seen it happen, but it's been suspect in a few tank crashes.
 
It can, but usually only when first added or disturbed. If the sand is added first, and then water is poured in carefully, so as not to stir it up, there is very little clouding at all. Once the sand gets some bacteria colonies going in the upper layers, it takes quite a bit of effort to create a serious cloud--uprooting lots of plants will put some in the water column, but IME, this settles out rapidly.
 
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