Airation - What To Do?

[mattyvx]

Hi everyone,

I've just setup a 550L tank and was after some advice on airation / oxygenation of the water.

I have several air pumps which I can use in this tank but i'm wondering if I actually need to use one? I have one Eheim 2217 and soon to purchase either another 2217 or a EF2000 from AllPondSolutions.

Currently Stocking two small oscars, pleco and clown loach but over the next few months i'm hoping to turn the tank into a malawi cichlid tank.

Questions:
Will I need an air pump in the aquarium?
Is it better to use a eheim power diffuser?
Do I need either?

 

[micko]

I'm not clued up on your filter so don't know if your filter is internal or external. Anything that breaks the surface of your water will let oxygen into your water.

 

[KittyKat]

I find that surface agitation with well placed filter outlets is enough, but well stocked, deep tanks may need the pumps on top of that.

 

[mattyvx]

I find that surface agitation with well placed filter outlets is enough, but well stocked, deep tanks may need the pumps on top of that.

My tank is pretty deep, over 30" deep. And i'm planning to have a well stocked malawi tank too. Maybe i'll stick with the pump.... or the eheim power diffuser looks pretty good

 

[Bignose]

How many times per hour will the filter turn over the entire volume of the tank? If it is 7 to 10 times an hour, the mixing from the filter outlet should be more than sufficient for bringing water to the top of the tank for gas exchange. 7 to 10 times an hour on a 550L tank would be pump(s) rated in total for 3850L/hr to 5500L/hr.

 

[mattyvx]

How many times per hour will the filter turn over the entire volume of the tank? If it is 7 to 10 times an hour, the mixing from the filter outlet should be more than sufficient for bringing water to the top of the tank for gas exchange. 7 to 10 times an hour on a 550L tank would be pump(s) rated in total for 3850L/hr to 5500L/hr.

I currently have an Eheim 2217 600 l p/h but looking to buy an EF2000 which is 2000L p/h.

So even with the two filters running on quoted flow rates i'll only be turning over 2600 l p/h.

 

[Bignose]

Then it may not be a bad idea to put an airstone in a corner or two, just to help circulate what will be the more still water. You may consider acquiring another filter, too.