2006-10-23 13:07:13 · 12 answers · asked by rhino_man420 6 in Pets ➔ Fish
Yes by all means please do, as long as your air pump is on, the water moves as long a the water move, the air cycle is going, meaning oxygen and carbon diox is switched, nice wonderful helpful bacteria grows and all is well. The more movement in your water the better your tank will be. It also helps simulate the natural flow of a lake, river ,ocean and stream.
You can turn it off after you tank is well cycled, but normally to get it like this point, you have to be pretty good and it can take years , it’s rarely achieved in newer tanks. Many professionals prefer their tanks to go through a natural cycle process, meaning their tanks just take care of themselves, maintence free.
2006-10-23 13:20:52 · answer #1 · answered by ******************** 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As already noted, you should run it all of the time.
This is especially important if you have an under-gravel filter - even if you temporarily do not have fish in the tank, as even a 1/2 day or so without can cause the good bacteria in the gravel to die off.
If you have any safety concerns, you should also:
1. Have the pump located above the water level of the aquarium.
2. Have a one-way valve installed so that water cannot get back through the tubing and into (or into and past) the pump.
3. Make sure it is installed into a GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlet or an outlet connected to a GFI breaker (if you can turn the power off and operate a screwdriver and a flashlight at the same time, you can install your own for under $10).
Other:
Keep a spare pump or a pump repair kit in stock (if you find a pump you really like, try to stick to the same model or at least company as the parts will be more interchangeable).
Allow scheduled checks -especially if you are using a piston pump (not common, but still available and last for 25+ years) so that it can be oiled and the air filters replaced.
Some diaphragm pumps have air filters also, and it's not a bad idea to pop the bottom off and see how the diagram is wearing - especially if you don't have a spare.
Do this on a weekend when you have time and the aquarium shop is open in case you need something.
2006-10-23 20:52:22 · answer #2 · answered by Jon W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually the air pump is not required (unless the fish are in a bucket during an emergency).
I'm speaking from experience. I keep overstocked tanks of african cichlids and run no pumps whatsoever, including very active fish over 6-inches in length. If all the previous posters were correct my fish would have suffocated a long time ago when they were little fry.
Air pumps are more for decoration than anything, as your filter outflows provide sufficient gas-exchange and surface agitation to oxygenate the water.
You could leave it on all the time or remove it (your fish won't die without one).
2006-10-23 22:08:58 · answer #3 · answered by Kay B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is good to keep the water oxygenated all the time. However if you are considering turning it off at night due to noise, you might want to try putting it in a small sock first to cut down on the vibration.
Also, it depends on what size your tank is and how many fish you have in it. It is also a good idea to have some live plants in there in case the electricity goes off, or you decide to cut the pump off at night. The plants will also help regulate the oxygen in the tank
2006-10-23 21:08:44 · answer #4 · answered by Christy c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It couldn't hurt..
your just filling the water with bubbles and possibly raising the oxygen content. Fish like that anyway as long as it isnt pumping too much and making too much disturbance of the water.
Oxygen is exchanged at the surface of the water so your air pump is really just for looks anyway unless you are using it to power an undergravel filter. In that case you would need tohave it on all the time anyway.
2006-10-23 20:14:24 · answer #5 · answered by smkwtrjck 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure.. I do. I have a round air stone fit for a 55 gallon. I leave mine running all the time. Fish need oxygen too... just get one suitable for your tank size.
2006-10-23 21:40:12 · answer #6 · answered by wibiggurl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is you will get the best gas exchange and the best aeration this way but if the tank is in your room then I would turn it off at night that's what I do. You can go to a hard wear store and buy a plug adaptor with a Built in switch.
2006-10-23 20:12:08 · answer #7 · answered by CAPTAIN GENIUS !! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have live live plants, it really is ok. Live plants won't really grow if you add oxygen to the water. The oxygen bubbles remove all trace of carbon dioxide CO2 which is what plants need to grow.
2006-10-24 01:48:34 · answer #8 · answered by moya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its ok, i hav three fish tanks and it does not hurt the pump or the fish.
2006-10-23 20:11:44 · answer #9 · answered by Nicole S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you shuold leave it on. The fish don't quit breathing at night.
2006-10-23 20:17:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋