when to use a air pump

[cluster]

when is a good tiem to use a air pump i have heard of several peopel just sticking to the filters

i have
1 29 gallon with, 1 small plant,5 kribensis,2 mollies,3 swartz corys powered by a Tetra Whisper 30

1 29 Gallon with 3 dwarf sprouts,2 rose swords,2 unknown plants,2 blue rams,1 kribensis,5 neons,5 julii corys, 3ottos, powered by tetra whisper 20-40

1 55 Gallon with 1 large frontosa,1 large pictus cat,6 yellow labs,1 red zebra,1 kenyi and powered by a Tetra Whisper 40-60


and this is a post to find out about air pumps NOT if my tanks are to small im well aware of 80% of the fish in the 55G needing to be moved and that will happen in time right now they are fine, a 180 gallon is in process

 

[CFC]

I only add a airpump and stone to my tank if i am going away overnight (in case of filter failure), if i am medicating the tank (many mediactions can drop the oxygen level in the water) or during very hot weather (extra surface aggitation helps heat and gas exchange). At all other times all the surface movement i want or need it provided by filter returns and powerheads.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I use one in my biggest tank for looks and to create surface movement. I don't think they have much in the way of other uses. Maybe if you have a really deep tank with cories.

 

[Dubby]

The only time you need to use air pump is when the aeration is insufficient. The other reason could be simply ornamental........