Substrate Choice: Anaerobic Disaster Waiting to Happen?

xiaoxiy · 01-12-2013, 11:56 PM

Hey guys,

I'm setting up my first planted tank and have been debating between using either fluorite or MGCOPS capped with fluorite. I plan on using egg crate and mesh to create a sloping scape (to give it depth), but I'm worried that the MGOCPS (right above the mesh and egg crate, and right below a layer of flourite) will provide anaerobic bacteria the nutrients to grow in stagnant water pockets created by the egg crate. Do you guys think that this would be a serious enough of an issue for me to go straight fluorite?

Regards,

Xiaoxi

cmathews95 · 01-14-2013, 01:48 AM

you cant be too afraid of anerobic bubbles. its bound to happen, but you can reduce the possible damage. cycle the tank for about a week, during which you poke the the dirt with a chopstick or something to release anerobic buildups. after that you can plant plants with extensive root systems. these fast growing plants will reduce the extent of anerobic bubbles. flourite will always be better, and MORE expensive, but you can have success with miracle grow.
Hope this helps!

Lkittredge · 01-14-2013, 06:10 PM

snails that burrow like MTS can also help stir the substrate. Of course they fall under the be careful what you wish for category as they can quickly grow out of control.

01-12-2013, 11:56 PM	#1
xiaoxiy Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 116	Substrate Choice: Anaerobic Disaster Waiting to Happen? Hey guys, I'm setting up my first planted tank and have been debating between using either fluorite or MGCOPS capped with fluorite. I plan on using egg crate and mesh to create a sloping scape (to give it depth), but I'm worried that the MGOCPS (right above the mesh and egg crate, and right below a layer of flourite) will provide anaerobic bacteria the nutrients to grow in stagnant water pockets created by the egg crate. Do you guys think that this would be a serious enough of an issue for me to go straight fluorite? Regards, Xiaoxi

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01-14-2013, 01:48 AM	#2
cmathews95 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Indio Posts: 24	you cant be too afraid of anerobic bubbles. its bound to happen, but you can reduce the possible damage. cycle the tank for about a week, during which you poke the the dirt with a chopstick or something to release anerobic buildups. after that you can plant plants with extensive root systems. these fast growing plants will reduce the extent of anerobic bubbles. flourite will always be better, and MORE expensive, but you can have success with miracle grow. Hope this helps!

01-14-2013, 06:10 PM	#3
Lkittredge Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Carrollton/Lewisville TX Posts: 72	snails that burrow like MTS can also help stir the substrate. Of course they fall under the be careful what you wish for category as they can quickly grow out of control.