Deepness Of Substrate

[Tiger Tiger]

I hate having my sand more than 1/2 deep due to the gas build up, but i am wondering that is there a down side to this?

 

[backtotropical]

Hi,

The gas build up shouldn't be a problem as all it takes to prevent it is regular raking of the sand. Also, the gas isn't as dangerous as you may have been led to believe.

The gas is usually Hydrogen Sulphide which is pretty deadly, however it is detoxified immediately upon contact with oxygenated water, so its not really a problem at all.

However, if you still want a shallow substrate, it won't cause any problems unless you have fish which like to forage in it (like corydoras for instance), or fish which like to hide in it like some eels.

Hope that helps.

BTT

 

[Johnlenham]

Hi,

The gas build up shouldn't be a problem as all it takes to prevent it is regular raking of the sand. Also, the gas isn't as dangerous as you may have been led to believe.

The gas is usually Hydrogen Sulphide which is pretty deadly, however it is detoxified immediately upon contact with oxygenated water, so its not really a problem at all.

However, if you still want a shallow substrate, it won't cause any problems unless you have fish which like to forage in it (like corydoras for instance), or fish which like to hide in it like some eels.

Hope that helps.

BTT

What would you class as shallow and deep?

My tanks got about 2cm up to about 4 all over at varying heights and I cant help but think its too shallow for foraging types..

 

[aaronnorth]

Tom Barr had a substrate depth of 12", it was planted which helps but still H2S would build up.

 

[saz326]

I have heard that several type of snails burrow and can help with the dispersal of this gas. They also help to keep the sand oxygenated (with fresh water) and so boost plant growth.