Is My Water Oxygenated Enough?

[craigybaby37]

ime debating weather or not to buy a couple of air pumps for my tanks (1 for each) my main community tank is a jewel rekord 60 with standard pump and i was told when i brough it as long as there is a gd disturbance on the top of the water it will have enough oxygen in the water?? and my 2nd tank mainly for breeding purposes is only a 3 gallon tank put the pump is one that you stick on the side of the tank and submerge it under water and it gives a gentle current but doesnt disturb the water at all like my other tanks pump???

 

[Matty P]

If your fish are hanging around the top of your tank there is a lack of oxygen in the water. If the surface of the water is not moving you could add an air pump or change the flow of your filter.

 

[craigybaby37]

ok thanks will keep an eye on things and see how they are...l has been ok in community tank so will prob leave it be but breeding tank only been set up a few days so more attention will be aimed at them.

 

[rdd1952]

I don't run air pumps on either of my 2 large tanks (29 and 57 gallons). The 29 gallon has HOB filters which do create a ripple effect on the surface but the 75 has canister filters with the outlets about 4" below the surface and it does ine. Sometimes you would be surprised how much surface disturbance there is even though you can't see it. As someoen mentioned, if the fish are hanging around the top of the tank and look like they're gasping for air, then you probably need the airstone.

 

[GoldLenny]

You can always check your CO2 levels and as long as they are low enough, then your O2 levels will be high enough. You need your pH and KH levels and then use the calculator and chart on this page... http/www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm (Of course, if your tank is not planted, you want the lower CO2 levels, rather the ones best for planted tanks.)