Airstones?

[DylFunk]

hi i was just wondering if airstones are good to have or if they look as good as they do in the picture . i heard that they can reverse the flow and even the check falves screw up alot . i just want some information about them, there benefits, and there downsides.

Thanks.

 

[cutechic]

The benefit is they create more surface agitation, allowing for more CO2 exchange (CO2 leaves the water, O2 enters it). They don't, as many people believe, directly add oxygen to the water.

In a power outage, they can reverse the flow and act as a siphon, which is why the airpump needed to run them should be placed above the surface of the water in the tank. I have never known anyone who had any problems with them, though.

 

[DylFunk]

k thanks.

 

[NinjaSmurf]

For a long time I always had an airstone in my tank, but the worst thing about having them in my opinion is trying to hide the ugly tubing and having to fix it when the fish screw around with it...

 

[FishDan]

In a power outage, they can reverse the flow and act as a siphon, which is why the airpump needed to run them should be placed above the surface of the water in the tank.

This is where a check valve is important, as it will prevent any back siphon of water from damaging the pump. IMO it's better to keep the pump below the aquarium. Mostly this is aesthetic, I like hanging them in my cabinet. Also there is no danger of them falling in the water. I have no trouble with my check valve causing any problems in terms of air flow. I use a 23" bubble wand, and there are a lot of bubbles.

\Dan

 

[Teelie]

I have check valves on any air pumps I use. They work great in short term but in the long term, do not leave them hooked up without running the pump. I left one unused for a few weeks and the water eventually seeped out of it. Fortunately nothing shorted out.

 

[canarsie11]

I also use check vavles, so far they seem to work well!

 

[zelandonia]

I just put an airstone into my 20 gallon tank because I am treating for Ich and wanted to ensure there was enough oxygen as I increased my water temperature. Do you think there is any risk of over-oxygenating the water using this method?

 

[Dragonslair]

Just a maintaince tip for all those that use a check valve. They should be renewed every year for safety purposes. Remember they are only rubber tubing modified to seal on backpressure encased in a plastic case. Rubber perishes with light and constant moisture so in time these tiny inexpensive valves will fail.

 

[Bobdole10]

I had a air stone running and didnt have any problems but I would say you might want to plant in front of it so you dont have to look at it and the tubbing might help look better also I use to hide the line in the stones.

I hope this helps.