A Noob Question....

[matt_storey]

Hi, i want to put one of those things that make bubbles into my tank. i think its an airpump... but not sure. any help would be much appreciated, as would any info on the benefits of having one thanks

 

[This Old Spouse]

An air stone? Sometimes called a bubble stone. Keeps the water moving a bit if you don't have a filter, but if you do have a filter I think they're unnecessary.

 

[jaylam]

Hi,

Pumps allow the transfer of gases in the water as it causes movement on the surface area. If you all ready have a lot of movement on the surface area from spraybars or internal filters then its prob not worth it but if your surface area movement is not that great then defo worth investing in one.

Jay

 

[james_fish]

Hi Matt.

Advantages of having an air pump will create agitation at the waters surface, creating oxygen. I've heard it doesn't directly put oxygen in the water, but like I said the agitation at the surface certainly will!

Downside is they can be noisy and it's an extra electric socket being used up around the tank.

You'll need the pump it's self, some air tubing and an airstone. Plus some form of clips pending how you want it setting up.

It's mainly down to personal choice wether people have them in their tank, as most of the time the filters will create the oxygen. They don't really take my fancy, but when used in a certain way they can make a tank look quite... proffesional? Special? something like that.

James.

 

[SensesFail]

purely for looks and added water motion. I have an external canister filter and run an ehiem air pump with 2 outlets positioned at both ends of the tank. The air pump i have is designed for bigger tanks but works a treat! looks good and the fish seem to like it.

Air curtains are amazing 2 i may get one sometime and have bubbles across the entire back of the tank! Personal choice really and if you have a filter which causes surface irritation some deem that enough.

<div><br></div><div>Many on the market all with reviews i went for the ehiem model due to good reviews and it works a treat can hear a gentle buzz in the background but i have it mounted on the wall behind the tank you don't really notice it after a while</div>

 

[Skins]

Hello Matt,
Another good use for the introduction of a airstone is when your using medications which can depleat oxygen levels.

Keith.

 

[Mogs26]

I have an air curtain-it's very pretty -I don't need it-I have a trickle filter! The fish play in the bubbles-like Thorpe Park for fish I have the Hagen one-got it off ebay-it needs sinking every now and again, especially if I turn it up too high !!! I use the tetra air pump, but tbh-I got it as people on here said they were quiet, but it's quite noisy-I am going to get a non-return valve and stick it in the cabinet underneath where I can't hear it lol! One tip from me though-a lot of the air pumps have ridiculously short flexes-so short that if you want to place it above the tank, it wont even reach to the bottom of the tank, let alone a socket which is on the skirting boards-the pictures in the instructions even showed the sockets half way up the wall- not normal in the UK! Ask to check in the shop before buying-the tetra has a long flex!
Have fun

 

[matt_storey]

ah! brilliant! thanks for all the info guys! i may look into one purely for the look.

 

[Twinklecaz]

When they invent a silent air pump I'll prob get one because I like the look. Not until then though lol.