tank air pump question

[swimmer88]

hey guys, i've got a little 2.5 gallon tank for my dorm room


heres my question: the tank has an air pump that runs down to the bottom and into one of those dispos-a-stone (i think thats what its called) then theres a wierd grate that goes under the gravel. what does this thing actually do? cuz the bubbles just come right back up the tube to the top and it just makes lots of bubbles on the top of the water. it just doesnt seem like it does much.

if anyone can help me out, thanx.

 

[Crystal]

undergravel filter? I think that is what I had in my 1gal, but I found it useless and my betta didn't like it, so I took it out.

 

[LoveMyOscar]

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[swimmer88]

so should i just take out the whole air pump and undergravel filter then?

 

[LoveMyOscar]

...

 

[swimmer88]

Well I did with mine, but I only had a betta in there. I would remove it.

I never asked ... what fish are you planning on putting in it?

i already have fish in there....a betta and 2 guppies. i would post a pic but it wont let me.

i also have 1 live plant, a fern. its small, basically to hide the air pump thing.