Question about hydrogen sulfide

sundog101 · Oct 5, 2015

I've been doing some research on hydrogen sulfide in aquariums, but I'm little confused. So in simple terms hydrogen sulfide forms when organic material breaks down where there is a lack of oxygen like a deep sand bed... is this right? If I have a shallow sand bed and keep it aerated by siphoning and sand sifting animals do I have anything to worry about?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 5, 2015

Shallow sand beds rarely have hydrogen sulfide problems, and I don't see any need to worry in your case.

What do you mean aerating by siphoning? If you mean cleaning it once a month, that won't aerate a sand bed enough to prevent H2S if it is otherwise going to form.

FWIW, for hydrogen sulfide to be generated, the sand bed has to have more than just low oxygen. . You need organic matter that is decomposing, and also to have already consumed better electron acceptors in the pore water, such as oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, and ferric iron.

This article has much more:

Hydrogen Sulfide and the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-12/rhf/index.php