Decomp / Sand becoming sedimentary/black

[Chirple]

So, I'm experiencing that problem where waste gets trapped in the sand and starts to decay.

I stirred up the sand, but I know it's not a long-term solution.

I think I have too much sand in the tank, and I would like to remove some so that it's just a fine cover over the bottom.

I'm thinking I just get a shovel/sieve and scoop it out ? Is that the best way to do it ?

Are there any problems or complications I'm overlooking ?

 

[Jake]

I can think of an issue (not necessarily a problem) with scooping it out. If the sand is under water the movement of whatever you use to scoop it out will cause a lot of it to fall back to the bottom, which will make for more work on your part, unless the tank is empty when you do it. If you have a hose thick enough you can easily siphon out the excess sand while the tank is full and replace the water that is lost in the process.

If the sand is turning black you would probably be better off removing all of it and rinsing under running water while stirring it up to remove the decaying matter as that can pose a threat to the health of the axolotl.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

In addition to what Jake recommended, using a brine shrimp net works well for removing the sand.

 

[Chirple]

I think she's been burying her waste or otherwise mashing it into the sand, since no food sits in there and the plants right now are fake. It must be pretty small particles, since I can't find a "source" when I mixed up the sand in there now.

I guess I'll have to move her to a tub and make this a whole project. I'd like to keep a bit of the sand, but maybe I'll get more river rocks or a big slate piece.

This is the second time I've noticed this (the first was under a rock, so I thought maybe it was an isolated incident of something falling between the cracks), so I definitely want to fix it before it gets out of hand and becomes a health hazard.

Thanks !

 

[natjobe]

what is depth of sand you are using?

 

[Kaysie]

Natjobe beat me to it! If your sand is quite deep, it can develop pockets anaerobic bacteria, which can turn the sand black. Stick to something 1-2cm deep. They don't need enough sand to burrow, and if you don't have any live plants, they don't need any substrate.

Take your axie out before you start doing anything with the sand and put it in a container of water. Sometimes the anerobic pockets can contain hydrogen sulfide, which can get released and cause a little toxic gas bubble.

 

[xxianxx]

If you have a syphon you can remove the sand with that whilst doing a water change, it would be easier than using a scoop.

 

[Chirple]

The sand is about 2"/5cm deep, which I know now is way too deep. I was in a hurry to set up the tank when I did and didn't know much at the time.

There isn't much "black" in it, I would get a picture, but I don't think there's any more in there right now. I'm thinking I'll try a net or perforated scoop.

... Or... I've been thinking of upgrading to a bigger tank, and I might just do that, wash the sand, and it would be a much thinner layer over a larger surface. I'm seeing my friend tomorrow and I think she has a spare 20g tank - I'll ask if I can buy it off her and ask her if she help transfer everything when she comes over that day.

I'd love to get some live plants in there, but I'm not sure if I'd be able to provide adequate lighting for them. I'll have to look into it.

 

[Chirple]

Just wanted to say thanks, again !

My friend is testing their 20 gallon tank to make sure it holds water and if all goes well, we should be setting everything up on Tuesday ! Going to wash the sand and put the old tank filter in there to help the new tank out.

After that tank is stable, I think I might re-do the 10 gallon one as a shrimp breeder.

 

[natjobe]

Chirple, you can buy low light plants. I currently have moss, anubis nana, a couple of different crypts, a grass(can't remember the name) in my tank. Just google low light/easy care plants!

 

[Kribby]

Ah, the joys of anaerobic decay. It tends to sneak up on any sand bed if it is too deep to be disturbed regularly. It can be a great method of filtration since it doesn't produce nitrates, but as a couple people have mentioned, it can lead to a bit of a toxin "bomb" waiting to happen. If you are going to be removing the excess sand, which is a great idea, make sure you tank your little wetpet out first.

If you have even a couple black spots there could be others lurking and hydrogen sulfide gas, even in small doses, isn't good for them. Measure the pH before and after sand removal, if the pH drops then some H-sulfide was probably released and you should give the tank enough of a water change to return it to its original conditions.

As to low light plants, I believe the grass that was mentioned was Valisneria. It comes in a few types, but it is great since it actually likes a higher pH and harder water, whereas many plants prefer lower values. Something that is often in contradiction to the preferred pH and hardness range of axolotls.