noisy filter and oxygenation

[tigrane]

I bought a 20 Gallon (wide) tank.
The tank is in my son's room, equipped with what the LFS recommended (we all start somewhere). The filter is Aqua Clear 30 (formerly 150). No fishes yet, we're just getting aquainted.

We find the filter very noisy, so, I did some changes:
- foam, where the filter rests on the tank's edge
- foam between the cover and the tank (eliminates most vibration noises)
- and... I glued pieces of plexiglass on the cover so that it comes down in front of the waterfall, the 'waterfall' then does not go directly to the water, but 'slides' along this added piece and gets in the water without any noise.

My concern: there is less water movement, and no more 'bubbles' in the water.
What about oxygenation ? Maybe I should only put it at night, but will it still be good enough ?

Thanks for the imputs.

Cheers.

NB This forum looks great, I am so glad I it!

 

[Tempestuousfury]

to the forum. Introduce yourself in the newbie section.

The problem with the lack of water disturbance can be solved by frequent water changes and/or aeration. Though I would put the latter first, in most cases, it seems as though you would like to stay away from noisy units.

Is the noise keeping your son awake, or is it just an annoyance?

 

[clutterydrawer]

you could always try getting a quiet airpump (do your research on which are quietest!) and airstone to compensate.

 

[MissClaire]

I find that im used to my noisey filter now...and in a way it can be relaxing except when I wake up in the middle of the night thinking its raining or I've left a tap on!

 

[enchanted]

Another thing for you is if you keep the water high enough you never hear it.

IN my 55G and my 30G when I have the water at the top I never hear any of my filters.

 

[yhbae]

If you don't overstock your tank, you don't really need any heavy surface disturbance... Keep them at reasonable level, and you should be able to continue with that "quiet" setup...

 

[Waterloo Kid]

Don't worry about the oxygen level. The VAST majority of gas exchange occurs at the surface of the water. Bubbles in the water generally have very little effect. Only in highly stocked tanks or where fish with high oxygen requirements reside require additional airation.

WK