Mixing The Sand

[RobGoldsmith]

Everyone keeps telling me i have to mix the sand up every few weeks to stop poison.

I have a wall mounted aquarium with lots of rocks, wood and plants, do i really have to pull them all out to mix it all up so often? I have about 2-3cm of sand in there but it is a complete pain pulling everything out to get to the sand. Surely it damages things and annoys the fish!

Any help?

Rob

 

[ian]

This is a common myth in fish keeping, people will tell you that gas builds up and needs releasing every so often. Gases that are released actually gas off out of the top of the tank, and it's harmful to fish at all. So, the sand doesn't need turning at all. I know mine hasn't been touched for a year now.

 

[moochy13]

no, you dont need to do it at all. its a wives tale. gas DOES build up under the sand, but as is the nature of a bubble, it is onyl released when the bubble pops. generally on the surface, not harming the fish.

 

[RobGoldsmith]

why didnt I ask this 2 months ago when i got my tank i feel like a fool! I am gonna get more stuf now and maybe my plants will perk up! GRRRR
Thanks though lol!

 

[dayzofspeed]

you could always get new inhabitants in the tank that will turn the sand manually for you

 

[moochy13]

ive got a rusty plec that has a habit of throwing sand all over the place. i reguarly see little bubbles float to the pop, accompanied with a cloud of sand and a plec darting about.

 

[Bazza57]

you could always get new inhabitants in the tank that will turn the sand manually for you

I would go for a horsefaced loach (acanthopsis Choirhynchus) I've had them in the past, & they are like mini JCB's. They are fascinating to watch, if your substrate is fine enough, they will bulldoze through it keeping it fresh..
I had no problems with compatability, they are generally peaceful but hard to find as most shops don't stock them, I think it may be that they are quite drab to look at then get looked over by customers.