is an anaerobid substrate that is rotting roots reversible?

hey ppl,
ive got a dirt tank that has been running for about a year and one corner seems have gone anaerobic to point that it is not growing plants e.i. the roots are rotting.
the dirt is capped with sand. ive thinned the sand out and poked the substrate and released and whole lot of gases etc

My main question is can the negative effects of anaerobic bed be reversed? with frequent airation etc can plants grow again in this substrate?

thanks in advance
cheers

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Permalink Reply by LED on September 23, 2014 at 11:54pm

Yes effects of an anaerobic bed can be reversed. One easy way is to poke the substrate with a chopstick, ice pick, or other such small footprint item. the idea is to bring oxygenated water to the lower substrate.

Remember a very anaerobic bed will not occur if the dirt bed is thin.

If the dirt is covered by sand, its much more possible to have a very anaerobic bed, in this case you will need to poke it much more often. Another way to decrease this issue is to remove some dirt. DO NOT use something like a spoon or cup to remove the dirt. IF possible try to use a tube, turkey baster (with the tip cut off) to remove some dirt from under the sand.

An easy place to purchase a turkey baster (to suction dirt from the lower substrate) is a dollar store, or 99 cent store.

As the substrate begins to have an oxygenated environment, then the plant roots will begin to grow again after harmful substances are neutralized.

hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by bangs on September 27, 2014 at 7:43am

great. thanks for the reply.
I have been poking the substrate and releasing gases more often now. ive also added an airstone right down near the substrate in the same back corner. I think my corys were starting to get affected too. they seem to more lively.
again, thanks alot