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Air pockets in substrate

BiGGiE

By BiGGiE
in Shrimp Tank Setup

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BiGGiE Shrimp Keeper

BiGGiE

Posted
Posted

Hi all

Ive just filled my new shrimp tank and ive noticed alot of air pockets in the benibachi aquasoil.

Wanting to know whether i can leave it or i need to disturb the substrate to try n get rid of them?

thanks

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KiwiBigD Shrimp Breeder

KiwiBigD

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It will clear on its own but to help it along I often use a knitting needle or similar to rake through the substrate, helps to clear a bit quicker but as the water warms they'll combine and rise to the surface anyway, warm water equates to less tension and dissolved oxygen in the water.

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BlueBolts Shrimp Guru

BlueBolts

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Firstly Congratz....filling new tanks is always exciting :-)

How did you fill your tank to creat air pockets.....stirring up the benibachi soil doesn't cause any issues on new setup, may just make the water a tad cloudy, but it all settles anyway. :-)

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BiGGiE Shrimp Keeper

BiGGiE

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I though of doing that Kiwi but it leaves quite a nasty film of mud on the surface so was hoping to leave it

Thanks BB this is going to be my breeding tank so ive taken alot of care setting it up properly!

i filled the tank with a container on the substrate with the water dripping into the container

i dont know why theres air trapped was just hoping it wouldnt be a problem if i left it

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KiwiBigD Shrimp Breeder

KiwiBigD

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I don't find it that bad but if it does then I'd suggest a surface skimmer, Eheim do a couple of models, I've got the a pair of internal small 200lph models, they're fantastic!

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jayc Shrimp Guru

jayc

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I'd recommend getting rid of the air pockets as much as you can - which ever method you choose.

Air pockets not only reduce the surface area beneficial bacteria can colonise but if left long enough, could turn toxic with nitrogenous waste.

If you don't have any shrimp or plants in there yet, it doesn't take much to dislodge air from substrate.

Rather than raking with a stick or similar, just use a stabbing action into the substrate.

I use those balloons shopping centres give out to children which has a long plastic handle (minus the balloon of course) for such duties. Those plastic balloon handle thingies are great for pushing plants into substrate or shifting small things around in the tank as well.

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BiGGiE Shrimp Keeper

BiGGiE

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Thanks Jayc will do it this weekend then considering theres no shrimp in there atm so may aswell get it out of the way

Thanks for all replies!

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