I'm getting a lot of bubbles in my substrate, presumably due to the organic matter decaying. I haven't been seeing many worms digging around in the substrate lately, so i'm worried it may be becoming anoxic. I've been leaving the jar open, because I'm worried about the chemicals in the gasses being released from the bubbles.
Could this be a sign of impending doom for my jar? And if so, is there any way I can save it?
by Nomi_Bomi
2 Comments
I have no idea but you’ve made me wonder if anyone has ever had a jar explode from pressure buildup.
I’d assume that the pressure would be harmful to the producers before it caused a detonation and I don’t see it talked about in this community, which I feel it would be if it was a realistic risk.
Maybe I’ll replace my lid with a balloon to see if there is a significant net change in gas volume 😊
Those bubbles are because your substrate is so thick it’s going anoxic and rotting, creating methane gas. This isn’t a good thing for the health of your jar. If you’re really experimenting you could just wait and see what happens. Depends on how hands on/off you are.
Personally I’d pull out some substrate and do an immediate partial water change with Crystal Geyser spring water or clean aquarium water if you have either of those, or more water from the source you gathered this from.
EDIT: Do it outside because it’s gonna smell like hot farts and rotten eggs…
Also, it looks like your plants are melting probably from ammonia buildip burning them, but it’s hard to tell. Might be game over. 🫡