Sand Dead Spots

[Bebobb]

I plan on having sand as my substrate in my 40 gallon. I am going to go get the sand tomorrow. I would like to have a "mound" of sand in the back-left corner. But this morning, I got to thinking about dead spots. From what I understand, a dead spot is where harmful bacteria start to colonize, and the kill your nitrAte. How would I be able to prevent this? WOuld just poking holes in the sand with a rod every week prevent it? Thanks!

 

[Ethan040]

MTS snails dig under the sand and air it out i use them in my tank and most people give them away for free or just postage costs.

 

[Bebobb]

There is a reason that hey give them away for free. I don't want to be overrun by pest snails.

 

[loraxchick]

dont overfeed your tank and you will not be over run with snails.
cheers

 

[Bebobb]

I'd rather just not have snails.

 

[Truck]

anaerobic bacteria isn't harmful at all, it converts nitrate to nitrogen, during this process hydrogen sulphide is created, and when disturbed will be released into the tank, where it will oxidize on contact with water, and become sulphur dioxide, which is harmless and will come to the surface leaving an unpleasant smell.

 

[Bebobb]

But wouldn't that remove the nitrAte? Or will more just be reproduced?

 

[Truck]

It may remove a little, but not much. Anaerobic bacteria, do not produce nitrate.

 

[ajs2294]

You can also just take the time to stir the sand and release particles every now and then

 

[Bebobb]

Then I won't worry about it too much.

 

[ajs2294]

Also you may find it hard to maintain the mound, fish and sand have minds of their own

 

[Bebobb]

I have been thinking about puting something under it. So then I wouldn't have to worry about the bacteria, or fish destroying it.

 

[Truck]

The pressure of the water will flatten it considerably, I made a mound in my tank and it was flat within weeks.

 

[Bebobb]

Would putting something under it like a glad-ware container help with that?

 

[Truck]

A little, but your mounds won't last long anyway, because tank currents and fish will move it about.