dudeofrude
Aquarium Advice Addict
I've got an airstone setup in my new tank but i rarely used it as the sound of the pump is very annoying. I'm just wondering if there are any actual benefits to having it on or is it purely for decoration?
SwimsWithFish said:Yeah that's what I've heard too. But I'm too scared to turn mine off.
librarygirl said:I think Magikalgirl is right; as long as you have a HOB or powerhead or some sort of filter that disturbs the surface of the water, that should create enough oxygen exchange for the fish. If you see your fish gasping at the surface that may be an indicator that you'd need more oxygen, otherwise you're probably fine without it.
Fishguy2727 said:Air stones definitely have benefits. They do actively aerate, as well as create more flow.
Most new air pumps are quieter than the bubbles they create so if they are creating a lot of noise then either something needs to be replaced (like the diaphragm) or they are touching something. Mine is in the stand that is about eighteen inches from my bed and I can't hear it at all.
It is true that the surface agitation from your filter should provide adequate aeration, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be better or that your filter will never stop running.
Air stones definitely have benefits. They do actively aerate, as well as create more flow.
Most new air pumps are quieter than the bubbles they create so if they are creating a lot of noise then either something needs to be replaced (like the diaphragm) or they are touching something. Mine is in the stand that is about eighteen inches from my bed and I can't hear it at all.
It is true that the surface agitation from your filter should provide adequate aeration, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be better or that your filter will never stop running.
Fishguy2727 said:I use Azoo 9500s. They are $21 or so on drsfostersmith when not on sale. They are silent, provide a lot of air, and last a long time.
I have seen many tanks saved over and over because they had an air pump and for one reason or another the filter stopped working (impeller breaks, cichlids spit sand into intake, motor wears out, etc.). And I also seen tanks lose fish in as little as a couple hours when the same thing happened but they didn't have an air pump.
Well thanks for all the input guys. I've had it running today and my fish do seem a lot more playful. The corys are chasing eachother and the neons are 'racing'. As for the airation of the water, i have a fluval u4 with has a built in airator so will it be ok if i run the air pump aswell? Is there such a thing as to much oxygen in the water?
Well from my experience .... It does help... One time my girlfriend and I was away from my tank for one night to sleep by a friend.... When I left my air pump was on..her mother decide to vacum her room and somehow disconnected the tubing from the pump... When I came home my fish were nearly dead.... I had to put the tube back on the pump asap!!! They would have died otherwise.... I have a fluval 405 and an aqueon 55.... I guess they were not enough to oxygenate the water