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Old 20-04-2003, 07:17 AM
SteveG
 
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Default Long term with sand/laterite mix substrate

Xref: 127.0.0.1 rec.aquaria.freshwater.plants:67876

The substrate in my 29 gallon tank (30"L x 12"W x 18"H) is 1.5"
sand/laterite mix and 1.5" sand. The brand is Tahitian Moon Sand by
Carib-sea. The tank has been setup for 3 months now. CO2 injected
(presurized tank w/ Nutrafin bubble counter/diffusor.) Lighted by 2-24" 17w
T-8 flourescent bulbs (Zoomed brand Flora-sun and Ultra-sun) which are
powered by a Hagen brand electronic ballast. PH around 6.5. Soft-medium
water.

I have read that sand substrate compacts over time and causing anaerobic
areas in the substrate. As a result, toxic gas bubbles (H2S) are created.
And was also told to poke the substrate in different areas to release these
bubbles. I do see bubbles coming out near the base of the plants but I'm
not sure if these are the toxic bubbles or just oxygen bubbles that has been
accumulated. I see my sword plants give off bubbles from time to time.

My questions a
a.) What effect do the anaerobic areas have on the roots of plants or on the
whole plant? (I have Echinodorus quadricostatus ''magdalenensis'',
Cryptocoryne beckettii, Echinodorus 'Rubin', Echinodorus osiris, and an
assortment of stem plants.)

b.) Putting Malaysian trumpet snails will help me with the task of keeping
the substrate aerobic, but I would prefer to put fish instead. I have 3
Corydoras aeneus that sifts through the top layer, about .5" inch deep
(they're only 1.5" long as of the moment). Any other suggestions?
(Their other companions would be an otto, 2 SAEs, 6 diamond tetras, 3 cherry
barbs, and a pretty happy and bossy discus)

Thank you for taking the time to read the whole message, and any help is
greatly appreciated.

SteveG