Air stones...

[Aj86]

Are they good bad to have in a planted tank?

 

[Colin_BC]

I'd say they are not the greatest for a planted tank. Plants need CO2 in the water and surface agitation dispels CO2 from the water. Having an airstone would cause for a loss in CO2 which plants may suffer from. As well, plants will consume various wastes in the water and the CO2, and they release oxygen into the water. Even in a non-planted tank, most common long aquarium sizes (as opposed to tall and slender) have enough water surface area for oxygenation of the water to take place that an airstone isn't necessary. I think most airstones or bubble-ornaments are for cosmetic purposes only. Just my 2 cents...

Colin

 

[Discomafia]

higher Oxygen content in water is good for fishes.

 

[Yeaulman]

But with airstones, you are taking away the CO2 from the water for the plants, which inturn give off O2. You could maybe put the air pump on a timer so when the lights go off, the air pump comes on. That way when the plants take O2 from the water at night, there is enough for both plants and fish Hope that made sense

 

[Discomafia]

Marvelous!!!

I think I'll do that. How much do timers cost from Radio Shack or whatever.

 

[Lateral Line]

Airstones don't really have a place in tanks at all if sensible stocking levels are maintained, and for the reasons already mentioned, can have a negative impact in planted tanks.