sand getting nasty

mvirata

Hi Guys,

I run two tanks with pool filter sand. They have both been up for about 8 weeks now. Fish appear healthy and I do weekly water changes of about 25 - 30%.

Each tank has two plants and 1 cm sand substrate. I have small piles of bigger gravel to plant my plants in, to keep it in place.

Lately the sand is looking kinda nasty. It lost its sand color and appears to starting to get covered with brown algae. I churn the sand about once a month with a long stick because I heard it is good for some type of anerobic bacteria.

Any idea why the sand is getting icky, I mean I know it is brown algae but don't the shimps and the pleco eat the algae. I guess there is nothing I can do but does anyone have any tips?

I always see pictures of fish tanks on here and the sand looks pristine and many have been up and running for a longer time than mines.

Any help is appreciated.

mr.bojangles

u need to gravel wash

Lupin

Mvirata, the sand must be disturbed more frequently than just once a month. If not disturbed, the sand becomes compact quickly and will cause discolored spots which are actually anaerobic spots.

mvirata

So what is anaerobic bacteria and how does it affect my fish other than the discolored color.

Age of Aquariums

They should go away.

mvirata

How often then, once a week? Every time i mess around with the sand the tank gets cloudy with dust particles should I do this at night when the lights are out. I don't want to stress out my fish.

Age of Aquariums

Maybe once a week, I think once every other week would do, one of the other members will probably correct me if I'm wrong.

Lupin

Anaerobic spots release toxins which are quite harmful to the fish. They are dead areas where circulation of air is very insufficient or lacking.