Aeration and oxygenation and fast flowing streams

[Gypsum]

I've recently acquired an L187b pleco (Chaetostoma formosae or rubber lip pleco). According to Seriously Fish, it requires well-oxygenated water as it comes from fast flowing streams: "Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated at all times so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter, additional powerheads, flow pumps, or airstones. While torrential conditions are unnecessary a turnover of 10-15 times tank volume per hour is recommended, though with good oxygenation a lower rate of 5-10 times per hour is feasible."

Currently, the 240L tank it's in has a Fluval 307, a Fluval U4, both turned up to 11, and two airstones. Is this an effective enough set-up for a fish with these requirements, or should I add a powerhead? It's all a bit baffling trying to figure this out with Google, as a lot of websites disagree on the efficacy, or lack thereof, of airstones.

 

[Tez_20]

@Gypsum i have a 235 litre tank and mines got 3 lots of oxygen going in besides a submerged fluval for pressure across the water and the pressure coming from the main pump goes in a full circle around the tank and you'll see my guppies fighting against it at the bottom, the video half way across goes up sorry.
I've got a top filtering system built in mine but just adding a video to give you a rough idea.

 

[ChefAlex]

I've recently acquired an L187b pleco (Chaetostoma formosae or rubber lip pleco). According to Seriously Fish, it requires well-oxygenated water as it comes from fast flowing streams: "Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated at all times so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter, additional powerheads, flow pumps, or airstones. While torrential conditions are unnecessary a turnover of 10-15 times tank volume per hour is recommended, though with good oxygenation a lower rate of 5-10 times per hour is feasible."

Currently, the 240L tank it's in has a Fluval 307, a Fluval U4, both turned up to 11, and two airstones. Is this an effective enough set-up for a fish with these requirements, or should I add a powerhead? It's all a bit baffling trying to figure this out with Google, as a lot of websites disagree on the efficacy, or lack thereof, of airstones.

For my take on air pumps in aquaria read this recent thread here. In a nutshell, they are effective but misunderstood.

As far as flow is concerned don’t worry about numbers or GPH flow rates. These are a broad ranges and a number of variables come into play. Even in reef aquaria where extremely high flow is vital, GPH or turnover is just a loose guide.

Instead, opt for paying attention to how the pleco responds to a certain level of flow. Make small incremental adjustments until you see a level that the pleco enjoys.

 

[Gypsum]

But do those two filters and the airstones provide sufficient oxygenation for that species? Or is it worth adding another bit of kit like a powerhead? To increase it at this point, I would need to add equipment as both filters are turned up to maximum flow.

 

[ChefAlex]

Short of testing a species preference for dissolved 02 or redox levels, there really is no reliable way of saying what is adequate or not. We can only give vague references like “highly oxygenated waters”. Trying to quantify which mix of filters and air stones provides certain oxygen levels isn’t realistic, far too many variables.

If your pleco prefers high oxygen levels, simply make sure you are providing maximum surface agitation via the filter outlets and keep your air pump running efficiently. Make sure water temperature does not get too high, bioload is moderate and nutrient levels low. That’s all you can do to keep oxygen levels high. You can’t overdo it really.

 

[Tez_20]

r is it worth adding another bit of kit like a powerhead?

In my opinion what you have seems enough watch the fish and you'll soon find out if it needs pressure, i have noticed the more oxygen and pressure in my tank for my 38 fish makes them more active and want to eat come feed time.