This is definitely a healthy-looking substrate system😉

[MattW]

I've not seen it get this bad since I set it up in January If I ever do a dirted tank again I'm definitely using less dirt.

 

[MaloK]

It's alive !!!

You could put a strip of gorilla tape to prevent the light from hitting the substrate.

But I agree with you, it's pretty thick.

 

[CassCats]

Nom nom, look at that mulm.

You ever get cool worms in your substrate? I've got freshwater ribbonworms in some of mine which are pretty neat, can get big. But you can see tunnels they dig in some of the mulm which is cool. I don't do dirted tanks, though, but still.

 

[MattW]

Nom nom, look at that mulm.

You ever get cool worms in your substrate? I've got freshwater ribbonworms in some of mine which are pretty neat, can get big. But you can see tunnels they dig in some of the mulm which is cool. I don't do dirted tanks, though, but still.
View attachment 354650

Not had any worms like that so far. Interesting that you've got ribbonworms in your tanks. The only worms I get are detritus worms.

 

[CassCats]

Not had any worms like that so far. Interesting that you've got ribbonworms in your tanks. The only worms I get are detritus worms.

I don't even know where they came from, but they're cool. I've also got dero/microfex worms as well. Mind you these are usually in tanks that don't have cories or loaches lol those tanks not much makes it past them.

 

[Colin_T]

There's blue green algae (Cyanobacter bacteria) in the substrate caused by nutrients and light. It's not a big issue where it is but you don't want it spreading through the tank.

 

[MattW]

There's blue green algae (Cyanobacter bacteria) in the substrate caused by nutrients and light. It's not a big issue where it is but you don't want it spreading through the tank.

Ive had CB since setup back in January. I've tried to control it but I've given up. I used a black card to block natural light shining on the part that I filmed, for 2 months and nothing changed. I've just accepted it now.

The one part of the substrate I'm interested in is the pinkish/reddish part around the bottom 1-2cm. I'm assuming that is some form of anaerobic bacteria?