The Compound that builds up under sand..

[CBTF]

Sorry I can't remember the name of it.. it's what accumulates under sand if you dont stirr it up.

Anyways, a few people were telling me that I dont really have to worry about stirring the sand if my substrate only measures around an inch or less (give or take a little bit, naturally). One said his tank has been running over half a year and he's had no losses- and has not once stirred up the sand. I was also told that if i have well oxygenated water then that negate the harmful compound once it bubbles out..

Anyone have sand for your tank's base that you dont stirr? Has it worked? Anything died?

 

[patoloco]

You are talking about gas buildups. This is produced by anaerobic bacteria that live in the absence of oxigen.

This gas is poisonous, and when it reaches a large quantity, is freed into the water causing health problems and even death.

You need a thick layed of sand to create the conditions necesary for the gas to build up. First, sand must be compacted enough to be able to hold the gas. Loose sand will let the gas escape in low quantites which will mean no harm.

Secondly, you need waste in the bottom. If you regularly vaccum the bottom, you'll reduce the decompsosing meterial needed for the gas production.

I have sand in my tank, and my fish are always borrowing in it, so they do the stirring for me. However, it's not a bad idea to stir the sand from time to time when you perform your cleanings.

 

[Aqualung]

I have 2 inches plus of sand/flourite mixed in one of my tanks. I don't bother stirring it, because I have loads of MTS that do the job quite well.