filter or air pump?

[o-zel]

Hi
which is better? filter or air pump in a 20 gal with sand... it right next to my bed around 2-3 feets away so i have to turn everything off to sleep(beside the heater)... going to put guppy or ram in it with lots of plant

thnx

 

[Tempestuousfury]

I would highly suggest a filter for a small tank, even if lightly stocked. And I would not suggest turning off the filter, even for a few hours. You need adequate water circulation and you don't want any mishaps or forgetting to plug in a filter if late for work or anything of the sort.

The filters I have are rather cheap, but they don't make noise. The only noise is the trickle of water that leaves the filter.

 

[bluefire]

i have a tank in my room with an air pump, at first the noise will really annoy you but after a week or so you will get used to it. now after having mine for over a year it feels strange when its not on!

 

[enchanted]

An Air Pump is not a good choice for a planted tank. You need a filter, preferably one that does not create a lot of surface agitation.

I agree with Tempestuousfury in the sense that turning it off at night is a very bad idea.

Also, bluefire is right in that you adjust to the sound and eventually it will not bother you.

 

[kenneth_kpe]

i also suggets a filter! you know with some people the buzzing sound of an aquarium get get sooting after a while just like raindrops on the rooftop

 

[o-zel]

wow... thnx i guess i will go for the filter...
arrr now mom isn't really happy about it... but no matter what i am going for it
thnx

 

[yvez9]

why isn't she happy with a filter?

a 20 gallon requires a quite small filter, like aquaclear 150 or 200 which are cheap and quiet, yet a lot more effective than a pump!