ways to raze o2 levels?

[Fishkeeper88]

hello everyone i currently have a 36 gallon heavily planted aquarium. i have a fluval 305 canister filter, plant lights, circulation fan, 200watt heater, plantable substrate, tons of live plants. stock includes 12 lamp eye tetras, one golden goraumi, 6 oto cats, and three cory cats.

i want to know how to add 02 to the water without using a bubble stone? any ideas would be greatly appriciated....

 

[new to the scene]

Movement on the water surface or agitation through the return side of the fluval will create a greater gas exchange. You will loose co2 gasses if you have a setup though

 

[Fishkeeper88]

it is a very good setup that functions without co2. i only have a little bit of surface agitation... its more like swirles and ripples.

i am wondering if i could put a hole in the water return tubing and plug a areator in to the tube?

the only thing i see that might bother me is that once i have a hole.... then i have a hole if you know what i mean....

 

[jetajockey]

Just wondering why you want to increase o2 in the tank? Heavily planted tank produces plenty of o2 along with the canister filter turnover.

 

[Fishkeeper88]

most of the fish aka the lamp eye tetras, golden goraumi, and cory cats have been surface breathing every once in a while... like quick dashes to the surface once in a while.. i have noted from expiriance this often means a lack of o2...

 

[Fishkeeper88]

what would be the usual stocking limit for a aquarium like this? i have the idea that i am at maximum or cloose to it...

 

[jetajockey]

It's not unusual for corys and gouramis to surface for air from time to time. A healthy planted tank with good filtration is going to have plenty of oxygen available.

You have room for a little bit more, I'd probably add another 3 or 4 corys and if you wanted maybe a small group 4-6 of another small schooling fish.

 

[Fishkeeper88]

i am wondering about my maximum stocking level....

 

[Fishkeeper88]

What would you think about adding 8 rummy nose tetra?

 

[jetajockey]

I think it'd be okay, but definitely full. I believe heavily planted tanks can get away with a bit heavier stocking because of the extra filtration.

 

[Fishkeeper88]

Yeah thanks I do 25 percent water changes weekly and have really good filtration. A fluval 305 on a 36 gallon is really awesome. I have been very happy with this setup. I'm going to keep up regular maintenance and trim plants once in a while. as for the aquascape and setup I plan on leaving it alone once I get the rummy nose. It has taken me years to develop and design this aquarium. I am not going to change it for years.

 

[jetajockey]

Sounds great, look forward to pics.

 

[Fishkeeper88]

I will post them as soon as I turn the lights on when the sun comes up.

 

[aqua_chem]

I think cories and gouramis are both obligate air breathers. They'll be going up for air regarless of o2 sat levels.

Also, for maximum gas exchange, use a spraybar either right above or right below the surface.

 

[Fishkeeper88]

i have been thinking about DIY spraybars ive just never used one... its something to look into...