Bubbles in tank?

[Sunny.C]

What is bubbles in tanks good for??? Besides that it makes the tank look good,
is it really true that it creates more oxygen for the fish???

 

[Vip]

Yes it does, airates the tank alot more, sometimes with bigger fish you see them breathing heavy due to the water being thick, a air rock is the perfect thing, even though i hate them i use them.

 

[Mr Miagi]

Yes, bubles are a nessesity i think. I turn mine off some nights to decrease the noise because my bedroom is so close, but warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water so i find my tropical tank needs an airstone most days

I find my fish appreciate having air to breath! LOL

 

[Sunny.C]

what's a airstone? those rocks that generate bubbles out of it??
I use the air hoses under my gravel, that good enough?

 

[Dubby]

Any source that disturbs the surface of the water will increase the amount of oxygen being absorbed. In most tanks the surface area of the water and its disturbance due to the filter is enough to aerate it.

But when you are using medications, it might be a good idea to bubble air to increase the oxygen levels.

 

[Inchworm]

...But when you are using medications, it might be a good idea to bubble air to increase the oxygen levels.

Hi Sunny.C

This is because some bacteria grow best in conditions with low oxygen levels. Increasing the oxygen content of the water is one of the things that can be done to reduce their number and help to eliminate them.

The bubbles themselves contribute very little oxygen to the water, but rather it is the movement of the surface. Some fish thrive in moving water, but others such as bettas do not. It all depends on the conditions of their native habitat.

 

[steelhealr]

Hi..just to clarify...bubbles coming from an airstone DO NOT improve oxygen content in the aquarium by 'the bubbles dissolving more oxygen' in the water. The surface area is much too small. The oxygenation is improved by creating upward current, thus bringing water from the bottom of the tank, furthest away from the surface, to the top. The tank surface is the main interface for oxygen exchange, thus the preference for longer wider tanks than deeper ones. For most aquarists here, adequate oxygenation occurs with their filters. Eg, an outside power filter or those with BioWheels, filter large amounts of water ABOVE the tank which then cascades down into the tank. At 300 gallons/hour, combined with the agitation, an airstone's contribution is negligible. SH