[APD] Plant tank substrate going anerobic goin anae

[Berne Kairunas <hugh at mdaps_biz>]

Hey gang,

I'm currently re-doing a display tank at work.  Its been setup a few months 
- no major algae issues that i wont be able to deal with but i do have one 
concern.  The soil is showing signs of becoming anerobic.  If you press on 
it, or when you uproot  plants to re-plant - large gas bubbles come up outa 
the substrate.  These smell really bad - i'm guessing this is hydrogen 
sulfide gas.  The substrate is about 3" deep and MTS are in the tank.  I 
know most platned tanks do not commonly show this, i've never seen it at 
home even with 6" of substrate in my 90 gallon.

My main guess would be simply that the subtrate used in this tank is 
potting soil under about 1.5" of gravel.  (the tank was origionally setup 
and run via the Diana Walstead method)  I've never run a tank like this, 
and dont plan to continue, but i'm wondering if its worth actually 
completely tearing down this tank and replacing the substrate, or if you al 
beleive i can revive this with good solid plant growth and no ill effect to 
the fish.  If need be i'm sure i can talk them into setting up a much 
better substrate system - i'm jjust trying to look at this from the store's 
point of view.  I know they've already spent a significant ammount of money 
on this tank - so at this point, cost is potentially a issue to me.

Current changes i've already made

* split almost ALL the stems and replanted the tops
* two heavy water changes
* added PMDD style fertilization
* Removed surface turblance (they have the hagen system on the tank, and 
the powerhead was pointing up to the surface, driving all the co2 off - 
gee, go figure huh?)

Thoughts?


Regards
Berne Kairunas
Metro Detroit Aquatic Plant Supply - www.mdaps.biz
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