nicmack Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I have had the same gravel in my tank for around 2 years now it is regularly siphoned each water change the subbstrate is brightstone...my question is how do i know if it needs changing or if there are deadspots in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoon Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 stir it upin spot u think is a dead spot if u see bubbles rise to the surface this would suggest anaeobic bacteria making nitrogen and thus a deadspot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 If you're syphoning the gravel regularly & stirring it up a bit, there is no reason why it should develop dead spots. If there are some areas you can't reach with your syphon, just run your fingers through it once in a while to make sure oxygen can get in. You should never need to change your gravel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoody Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 What about right near plant's ect? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Near large plants I sometimes just dig my fingers in around them to make sure they have enough air reaching their roots. The only time it's a problem would be if the plant died off and left a dead mass of roots under the surface that started to rot. Live plants do an excellent job of keeping the substrate aerated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 I could be completely wrong but I think the worry about dead spots is all bollicks. Most of the plants used in aquariums are bog plants, some of which will survive submersed. In nature they live in bogs and bogs are generally anaerobic and that is how peat is formed. I grow aquarium plants in sand and never vacuum other than excessive surface detritus, and seem to be able to keep and propagate most tropical aquarium plants without stirring the media up. If you use JBL fert balls or similar you will stir up a very fine sediment that is a total pain. God may have long fingers but I bet she has better things to do that stick them into bogs that can grow plants without any interference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollergirl Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 I could be completely wrong but I think the worry about dead spots is all bollicks. Most of the plants used in aquariums are bog plants, some of which will survive submersed. In nature they live in bogs and bogs are generally anaerobic and that is how peat is formed. I grow aquarium plants in sand and never vacuum other than excessive surface detritus, and seem to be able to keep and propagate most tropical aquarium plants without stirring the media up. If you use JBL fert balls or similar you will stir up a very fine sediment that is a total pain. God may have long fingers but I bet she has better things to do that stick them into bogs that can grow plants without any interference. Freudian slip there or intentional? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 I don't think people are worried about anaerobic gases hurting their plants - I think it's more an issue of the fish being harmed when the gases build up then suddenly release. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 I have only found that a problem when I tried peat as part of a substrate and have not used it since. There is no freudian slip (are you suggesting god has a petticoat?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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