I have a 16gal bowfront tank with an external filter which seems to put a decent amount of bubbles in the tank. I also have an air pump hooked up to a bubble wall running along the back of the tank. The problem is, when I run the bubble wall it's hard to see/enjoy the fish because the water gets so frothy. So... how much aeration is enough? Is the filter enough? Can I run the bubble wall only at night when the light is off? Or should I have it on 24/7?
If it matters I have 6 rosy barbs in it right now.
2006-07-25 16:57:55 · 11 answers · asked by Dreamer 7 in Pets ➔ Fish
The filter alone is enough as long as it keeps water moving at the surface. I've kept lots of different kinds of fish for years and can say that you don't need half of what the pet store says you do.
If that isn't enough, you'll see your fish trying to suck in air at the surface and you'll know that you need to boost your aeration. Although that's very unlikely, you may want to turn off the air pump some time when you'll be able to check on the fish every few hours for a day.
2006-07-25 17:07:44 · answer #1 · answered by aaupthemeggs 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If the filter does a good job of moving your water you should be okay with just the filter in a 16 gallon tank especially if it is a waterfall type filter. That said, it is better for your fish if you run the aeration though. The bubble wall is putting more oxygen in your water. Running the aeration overnight is a reasonable alternative.
Addendum:
A couple of the people who answered prior to me have a good point. You can buy a valve which can be attached to the air hose that will allow you to control the amount of air being pumped into the tank. these are very affordable and can be bought at almost any pet store.
2006-07-26 00:03:39 · answer #2 · answered by Lubers25 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't like the bubble wall, you could get a smaller airstone to add onto your pump. For a tank that size, look into one of the three-inch ones.
Just the filter dumping water back in isn't quite enough, depending on how fully-stocked you are. If you only have two or three fish in there, then yes, just the filter is fine. But if your close to full, or if you're overstocked, you definitely need the additional filtration.
The air pump should be kept on 24-7. You need to take care that no water gets into the pump itself (there are all sorts of barriers for that).
Good luck.
2006-07-26 00:22:55 · answer #3 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can try getting a valve to reduce the amount of air that's being put into the tank, but in my experience the filter provides enough aeration as long as the water level is low enough that its putting bubbles in the tank. if it's a new tank you might want to keep the air pump running for at least the next couple of weeks though because when the tank is cycling and the ammonia is up the water cant hold as much oxygen as it normally can
2006-07-26 00:02:14 · answer #4 · answered by Taldeara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surprisingly enough the air bubbles actually don't do much. They rise to the top and burst out of the water. If you had labyrinth fish such as a Betta or gourami who breathe fresh air from the top of the aquarium then I would suggest you keep the bubbles going, but since you have rosy barbs who get their air from the water then you could go ahead and remove the bubble wall. Also you could look into getting a penguin bio-wheel. the bio-wheel will filter your water and put air into it. They start a $16.99.
2006-07-26 14:16:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anita B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 30-gallon aquarium, and I get more than enough aeration from just my filter. You don't need the bubble wall at all. If you're at all concerned about enough oxygen in the water, I would suggest getting live plants - they look great, and are helpful to the water.
2006-07-26 00:08:07 · answer #6 · answered by Tammy O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cut a desired length of air line from the air pump to the bubble wall accessory. Purchase an air valve that can regulate the amount of air sent to the bubble wall. Cut your line in half to attach the air valve. You can run the bubble wall anytime you wish as long as the air flow is being controlled.
2006-07-26 11:22:02 · answer #7 · answered by NCConfederate13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you really want to run the air pump then get an air stone - they are much smaller and will make much less bubbles.
Frothy water is not good for fish either ... the bubble walls are meant for very large tanks, about 5 times longer than the bubble wall.
2006-07-26 03:27:29 · answer #8 · answered by � Fuzzy Dice 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just the filter is enough
2006-07-26 00:01:03 · answer #9 · answered by wizard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
turn it way down
2006-07-25 23:59:51 · answer #10 · answered by punkgirlsmustang 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋