I have a small ten gallon tank with a convict. There is a good filter on the tank and she has always been a very healthy fish. But I noticed at the pet store, every tank had an oxygen tube in it. Should I definitely get one of these or can she survive without it?
2007-01-22 05:56:25 · 10 answers · asked by Jonathan B 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Petstore go nuts on the air pumps because they heavily overstock their tanks. When you see the amount of fish they have in their tanks, the tanks are almost packed full, which greatly reduces the amount of oxygen available to the fish. So, they use air pumps to increase oxygenation.
In a tank that is not overcrowded, an air pump is not necessary, because the HOB filter (waterfall), as well as the air exchange at the surface of the water, is usually quite sufficient oxygenation. Of course, if you want an air pump, then go for it - it won't hurt anything.
However, a convict cichlid is too big for a 10 gallon tank. Minimum size for one convict would be 20 gallons - 30 gallons if you wanted a pair. You probably won't run into any lack of oxygen issues, but you will run into more serious problems like stunting.
2007-01-22 06:01:48 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't hurt to get one, but it really depends on the setup you have. If you only have the one fish and it doesn't seem to be oxygen deprived (hanging out at the top is usually a good indication), then you'll probably be okay. Leaving the lid off the tank can help get more oxygen in the water, but if you have a fish that is a jumper ( I don't specifically know about convicts here) then that wouldn't be good. A good alternative to the air pump (which can be noisy) is either a filter with an air tube attached, or just planting live plants. The plants will absorb the CO2 and add O2 through cellular respiration. They also help to filter the tank.
You can usually buy plants pretty cheap at any petstore, but be wary of buying from Petco and Petsmart as they tend to sell terrestrial plants that just take a long time to die underwater. Probably the best bet for a low maintenance tank is java fern because it's a low light plant and doesn't require any additional fertilizers to grow. All you need is a piece of driftwood (or something else that it can root to, it's not a plant you can just stick in the gravel). Otherwise, stem plants like rotala work very well (they can be stuck in the gravel) and will grow like crazy!
Hope this helps to answer your question and give you some alternatives!
2007-01-22 06:04:33 · answer #2 · answered by Susan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The filter helps to aerate the water by breaking the surface, so you don't need added air unless you put too many fish in the tank. and that is not good to do. However, I believe a convict can get pretty big, you may not need air, you may need a bigger tank.
Pet stores add the air tubes because the pack the fish in those tanks. Not the best for the fish, but they don't stay at the store long, hopefully.
Good luck, enjoy your fish.
2007-01-22 06:30:57 · answer #3 · answered by Joy K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your filter should be enough in a tank that size. But, the tank is too small for that fish. Rule of thumb is no more than 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. A Convict can get to 5-6 inches and should be in a larger tank. Try this link for information.
http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_convict.php
2007-01-22 06:33:40 · answer #4 · answered by Fish Lover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off.....convicts are cool fish!
If you have a filter for your tank, there is no reason for you to have a air pump. If you plan on having more than one convict, get a bigger tank. And beware that they are aggressive when put together, they do best in groups or by themselves. I noticed you said she. One way to tell is that the colors are brighter than the males on the bottom and top fins (neon blue, yellow, orange) The famales stay quite abit smaller than the males too. Just thought I would throw in some extra info.....
2007-01-22 07:22:46 · answer #5 · answered by to be announced 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you don't need an air pump see you later as you've a good ability clear out interior the tank. The clear out will flow the water properly adequate to keep the oxygen element up. Neons at the prompt are not a large determination for "starter" fish as they are going to seldom proceed to exist the cycling procedure that new tanks ought to go by ability of. Guppies are harder, and typically can. you may want to do more suitable water ameliorations for the first few weeks although. Ian
2016-10-15 22:51:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a good filter, and that should move the water surface enough so additional aeration won't be needed. You'll have to run the filter all the time, though, so anaerobic bacteria won't grow inside it!
2007-01-22 07:35:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. 10 gals is a big stagnant pool of water when it sits with no aeration.
2007-01-22 06:04:57 · answer #8 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
even in a glass of water , Always !
2007-01-22 06:22:59 · answer #9 · answered by Dimitris C. Milionis - Athens GR 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you got too!! otherwise the fish cannot Breathe!!
2007-01-22 06:19:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋