Slate weights and gas pockets?

[Jim Miller]

I'm getting ready (finally!) to put my soil in place as well as some manazanita which has some slate affixed to hold it in place. I'm using MTS topped with Flourite black sand and may be putting the sand a bit deeper to make a bit of a rise to place the slate/wood atop.

I'm planning to do DSM for about a month to let the stauro grow out along with the other emergent capable crops.

My question is will the MTS substrate be in danger generating gas pockets under the slate where there will be no plants? Or will a month of DSM largely eliminate that possibility?

Thanks
Jim

[chris_todd]

What's DSM stand for?

[Jim Miller]

Hi Chris

DSM = Dry Start Method

Basically an emerged growout period.

Jim

[Jeff120]

I wouldnt waste my time doing the dry start. Most plants we use grow as fast and sometimes even faster underwater. Any other reason you want to do it this way?

[Jim Miller]

Jeff

Thanks for the feedback on DSM. Any thoughts on the dead area under the slate causing anaerobic generated gas pockets?

thanks

jim

[Jim Miller]

I'm eager to fill the tank and may forego the dry start. If I could get the tank cycled before the Feb meeting I could participate in group buy as well as the auction.

Jim

[chris_todd]

Go for it! Plant that puppy!

Not sure about the gas pockets under the slate, but I would think that if that sort of thing was a frequent problem, lots of people would have dead/dying tanks, given the driftwood, rocks, etc. that get used as hard scape.

Plus, keep in mind that the plants roots will grow into any space with room (I know, I just broke down my 90g last night, and pulled out a few crypts with roots over a foot long! And that was *after* breaking the runners...). So while I'm no expert (I'd love to know what Sean thinks), I don't think you need to worry about it.

How thick a substrate are you planning, again? Wasn't it about 3 inches?

[Jim Miller]

Hi Chis

MTS will be ~1.5" deep with 1-2" of Flourite Black Sand as a cop, deepest at the back. So estimate 3" at the slate area. It's possible that I might make it a bit taller there to provide a bit more stature for the wood.

Thanks!

Jim

[Cristy Keister]

I've had gas pockets form under slate/rocks in different kinds of substrates. My guess would be that it will happen, but don't worry about it until you want to move the rocks. When you do move them, be sure to do a water change.

[Jim Miller]

Christy

Thanks!

Jim