Sand Maintenance

[Night61]

how do i keep my sand from storing toxic stuff in it.
what i have been doing is once a week stir it up just to let it release some of it stuff to keep it from storing things that would harm the fish.
is this the correct thing to do?

 

[tenohfive]

I take it the toxic stuff to which you refer is decaying plant matter? Because thats the only thing toxic you'll come across in sand (assuming you washed it properly to start with.)

The way I get round it is to keep an eye on my plants. If some die, I remove them. If they don't then theres no issue in my experience - I'm running 3 of my 4 tanks on sand.

 

[loachman]

Keep the sand depth to under about 3 inches, that will remove much of the worry.

I stir mine occasionally after vaccuuming, primarily near the glass.

 

[shelaghfishface]

sorry to hijack.. is stirring ok to do in a shrimp tank?? i regret the sand now as its looking dirty but havent been brave enough to stir just incase i murder someone, obv i wouldnt go in with a big stick, just a gentle stir with the ens of the net handle or summat,i do vac but it dosent get everthing up

 

[markandhisfish]

opinions seem to vary on the whole stiring sand thing. its basicly done to release pockets of gas that build up. i have been given 2 different types of advice regarding this. some said you need to release the gas as it is toxic. others said its harmless and unnecacary .

all i do to maintain my sand is when i do my weekly w/c i hoover the crap off the surface then sort of run my fingers through it let it settle and if there is still anything on the surface i hoover that up too. job done. never had any issues at all.

 

[shelaghfishface]

good thinking mark,, tho im still a bit scared of the shrimp incase they walk on me ill be giving that a go

 

[loraxchick]

i use a chopstick to just smooth it over after a waterchange. they are invaluable tools IME.

 

[markandhisfish]

a tool i find handy with my tank being quite deep. when it comes to reaching to stir up the sand at the back of the tank . long bbq tongs ( i kid you not lol )