Hi all, I have a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium and I'm using play sand as my substrate. I've had it for a few months now and I keep seeing black patches of sand turning up in the lower layers of the sand bed. I went online and found out that you're supposed to churn the sand every 8 - 16 weeks. But I've been having to churn my sand at least once a week because the black patches keep reappearing. I try not to overfeed my fish but when I do I always make sure to scoop out any uneaten food. I do water changes every couple of days. Any ideas on how I can keep my sand from turning black so quickly? Or what could be causing this? Thanks!
2007-12-20 14:43:34 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
The black patches are definitely from anaerobic buildup. The reason you may be seeing it return so quickly could be either the fact that play sand has very small grains, and compacts faster than other sands (like pool filter sand), or that waste (plant debris, fish poop, or fish food) is getting trapped in the sand, and quickly decaying. If you aren't already, try VACUUMING the sand (if you do your water changes by vacuuming the tank, that is perfect) (hoover the siphon over the sand) once a week to remove any "problem-waste". Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Soop Nazi
2007-12-20 15:00:23 · answer #1 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Black Aquarium Sand
2016-09-30 23:21:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use play sand and churn it every once in a while and things are fine, though the sand does go black under rocks I haven't moved in some time. I just vacuum it out when I find it and it's never caused a problem. If you use a lot of sand then I'd look into that - less sand won't compact as much - I keep an inch or less. Failing that, maybe it's the sand.
2007-12-20 14:57:08 · answer #3 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All sand will compact more, compared to other types of substrate. The risk is in hydrogen sulphide buildup which will kill your fish if concentrated in large enough amounts and when released into the water, that's the reason for churning the sand regularly. Unless you have a planted tank, there is no reason to have a thicker layer of substrate. Malaysian trumpet snails will burrow right into the substrate to help 'air' it, but note they can multiply like crazy. If you really can't keep up with the maintenance, it may be better to start over with a different substrate. In any case, you should not be using the same batch of substrate continuously for more than a few years.
2007-12-21 02:01:13 · answer #4 · answered by Stillwaters 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like Ghapy has said, check the amount of sand you have in the tank, to much sand will compact and can cause this. You should have an inch of sand and even a little less and you should be fine. Like you said, churning it will help, but this is probably caused by the depth of the sand and what is getting trapped below the surface. Also I think trumpet snails bury into the sand and will help to churn it a bit, but they won't do it all for you, but they may help.
2007-12-20 15:02:43 · answer #5 · answered by Goober 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
get a siphon in case you dont have one... and somewhat you cant do lots sand is demanding to safeguard what sort of sand do you utilize???? im questioning approximately switching from gravel to sand in my 10 gallon and 2 of my bettas tanks
2016-10-09 00:44:55 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
remove it.
2007-12-20 18:03:10 · answer #7 · answered by J & E Goldfish N Guppy Aquariums 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋