Would this stop anaerobic pockets?

[i_am_511]

I know this question will be a thin line between facts and opinions. Would having something like snails,crayfish,eels, and clams stir the sand enough since they they to go under the sand? Im sure it would have at least some kinda effect. Snails would even more since they can be alot more and cover more ground but would anything be enough?

Plus who has had these pockets actually build up and cause some toxic death in the 1st place? I know its true but wondering if it could be classed as rare or not too likely since some people said in Jills thread that they didnt stir for a year and was ok.

[Tetris]

FisherKing has had death from dead zone gas buildups.

Yes, snails and the like would help reduce the amount of deadzones as they burrow through the substrate.

However by far the best way to avoid this problem is not to use too much substrate in the first place.

Another option would be substrate heating cables.

[Scrup]

agreed. I had snails, clams, dojo loaches, and goldfish in a tank, and it still developed pockets. (the dojo's and goldfish dug like CRAZY in that tank)

You fish can die from this, and it is a fast killer.

Go shallow on the substrate if you are using sand.

[Tetris]

the dojo's and goldfish dug like CRAZY in that tank

I was not aware that golfish were a burrowing species :hmm3grin2orange:

Dead zones aren't all bad though... There is bacteria on the miniscule top layer of your substrate that will help to prevent some of these toxins from getting into the water and affecting the fish. It's mostly when you have an excess of them because your substrate is too thick that you start getting problems.

[Chrisinator]

I've heard that Malaysian Trumpet Snails help turn over the sand for you. If not, you can do it manually.