Do I need to keep the bubbler?

Strmwrng said:

Good Morning all from SE Illinois,
I have a 5 gal tank that houses 3 Endlers. I’m trying to go from plastic to live plants and I ran out of patience I have Guppy grass that’s doing very well and a couple of plants that are on their way. Was trying to s-l-o-w-l-y remove the plastic plants as the live ones arrive but this morning just took them all out. I’ll fill it in over time.
My question; do I need to keep the bubbler in the tank? Between it and my hob filter, the guppy grass balls up in one place. But if it’s more of a benefit, then of course I’ll keep it. Thanks!!

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kwi said:

If the HOB is agitating the surface probably not, keep an eye on the fish after removing the airstone and if they start coming to the surface gasping put it back in.

Edit: Ninja'd by the lovely @AdoraBelle Dearheart.......

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AdoraBelle Dearheart said:

As long as the HOB filter disturbs the surface enough to create enough gas exchange to keep the water oxygenated, then you don't need an airstone, nope Try taking it on a day when you're home and can keep an eye on the tank, if the fish start staying near the surface and gasping, it can mean there isn't enough oxygen in the water, so put the bubbler back in if that happens.

You could swap it out for a smaller airstone if you find you still need one, but this one is too much.

ETA: I'm really liking the natural look you're going with! Happy you persisted with live plants despite your initial difficulties! Worth it, aren't they? Do the fish seem to be enjoying the guppy grass?

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kwi said:

If the HOB is agitating the surface probably not, keep an eye on the fish after removing the airstone and if they start coming to the surface gasping put it back in.

Edit: Ninja'd by the lovely @AdoraBelle Dearheart.......

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itiwhetu said:

If the air stone is at the bottom of the tank it is the best way to pull water from that region of the tank to the top. So I would say leave it in. But turn it down a little, they don't have to run fast to be effective.

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Strmwrng said:

I’m just now able to get back to my thread...I already stopped after work and purchased a smaller air stone because I’m not able to regulate the little pump it’s connected to. I haven’t put it in yet tho, thanks for the info. Good to know that slower can be as effective

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Fishiemang said:

Can't.you anchor the grass in the substrate? Or is it sposed to drift around the tank?

Bubbles, like mentioned, are the best way to actually circulate the water in the tank,.so I wouldn't.remove it. Go to the store and.get a $2 valve and put it inline and change the rate at which it bubbles...(I know...redundant post....but....to give idea as to how to change the rate....haha....)

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