query on air-stones co2 & o2

[Delboy50]

Hi,

Tank 48L 15 w 18H (230 litres)

There is a significant amount of opinions (internet) on air-stones in a aquarium.

I like the idea of surface agitation of the water and have a pump and air-stones.
My query is I like that they increase o2 levels with the surface agitation yet it decreases the c02.

As I have fish in a planed aquarium do I need an air-stone? I want the fish to have plenty of 02 but would like
the plants to have enough c02. The fish look absolutely fine & the plants are growing.

I am mainly thinking longer term for the health of the tank.

I do have the external filter tube an inch above the water. This causes small bubbles to rise & a little surface agitation,
I just want to ensure they are in equilibrium.

Thanks

Derek

 

[MaloK]

While it's true, CO2 from the atmosphere is constantly dissolving into the water at the same moment.

If you don't add co2, At some point an air stone increases the surface area of the water, making this gas exchange process more efficient.

If the CO2 level in the water is low, the air stone will have a minimal impact, as the natural process of CO2 dissolving from the air will continue.

If the CO2 level is high (e.g., from CO2 injection), the air stone can accelerate the rate at which excess CO2 escapes into the atmosphere.

But it is impossible to completely deplete an aquarium from Co2 with surface agitation.

 

[Essjay]

An air stone won't cause more oxygen to dissolve, just replace what the fish and plants use more quickly. Water at any given temperature and pressure holds a certain amount of any gas. When there's something in the water either using a gas or making a gas, that gas will enter or leave the water to keep the level constant. Air stones churn up the water bringing depleted water or water with excess gas to the surface rather than wait for it to diffuse up or down deep into the water.

 

[Delboy50]

Thank you for the replies I think I will put the air pump back on.