Dirt Tank- bubbling through sand?

The Big Buddha · 01-13-2013, 04:37 PM

I set up my first dirt tank a few weeks ago with miracle grow, clay and topped it with 1/5 inches of black diamond blasting sand. still doing water changes to reduce the tannins, tank is getting pretty clear now.

I seem to be seeing alot of bubbles comming up through the sand. 1 or 2 bubbles every 5-10 secs maybe.

What is happening with the dirt, and should I be worried? I have not added any fish yet, just 1 mystery snail who has been in there since the 2nd week after setup.

chevyguy8893 · 01-13-2013, 04:58 PM

It sounds like this may just pockets of air working their way out of the soil. I don't believe it is anything to worry about at the moment. The sand also has a tendency to hold air pockets pretty well since it is packed closer together. Did the soil go in dry or wet, and have you noticed any odd smells from the tank?

rodcuda · 01-13-2013, 05:01 PM

Mine lets a couple bubbles loose here and there and it is a year old, organic miracle grow and black sand as a topper.

**Borikuan** · 01-13-2013, 06:06 PM

It's normal, don't worry about it...

The Big Buddha · 01-13-2013, 07:25 PM

Thanks for the responses, the dirt went in wet, I also put the clay in unbaked. Smelled a little the first week, but the smell has been gone for a while now.

01-13-2013, 04:37 PM	#1
The Big Buddha Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Montreal Posts: 117	Dirt Tank- bubbling through sand? I set up my first dirt tank a few weeks ago with miracle grow, clay and topped it with 1/5 inches of black diamond blasting sand. still doing water changes to reduce the tannins, tank is getting pretty clear now. I seem to be seeing alot of bubbles comming up through the sand. 1 or 2 bubbles every 5-10 secs maybe. What is happening with the dirt, and should I be worried? I have not added any fish yet, just 1 mystery snail who has been in there since the 2nd week after setup.

01-13-2013, 05:01 PM	#3
rodcuda Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (14/100%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central Florida Posts: 843	Mine lets a couple bubbles loose here and there and it is a year old, organic miracle grow and black sand as a topper. __________________ Rod

01-13-2013, 06:06 PM	#4
Borikuan +>== (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Lake Wales, FL Posts: 233	It's normal, don't worry about it... __________________ *The Fraternity of Dirt* #92 20 gallon long planted dirt bin Fluval Chi 2.5 gallon HC carpet

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01-13-2013, 04:58 PM	#2
chevyguy8893 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Hobart, Indiana Posts: 186	It sounds like this may just pockets of air working their way out of the soil. I don't believe it is anything to worry about at the moment. The sand also has a tendency to hold air pockets pretty well since it is packed closer together. Did the soil go in dry or wet, and have you noticed any odd smells from the tank?

01-13-2013, 07:25 PM	#5
The Big Buddha Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Montreal Posts: 117	Thanks for the responses, the dirt went in wet, I also put the clay in unbaked. Smelled a little the first week, but the smell has been gone for a while now.