I have a ten gallon tank with a 10 gallon filter. My filter works great but I have noticed that the water level of my tank is almost to the top of the "water fall" thing on the filter. This means that no air is pushed down into my tank. Would I need an air pump in this case so that my fish recieve oxygen? I have noticed lately that a lot of my fish, especially bottom dwellers, are coming to the surface for air which is unusual. Also, what are the advantages of having an air pump. Does it help keep the tank clean? Let me know.
2007-02-01 04:26:38 · 8 answers · asked by Andrew 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
That's normal with waterfall (HOB - hang off the back) filters. Your water is getting oxygenated even without the bubbles because the water is touching the air and "absorbing" O2 molecules, and also because it is breaking the surface of the water, resulting in good oxygenation.
Air pumps are pretty much decorative only. They do oxygenate the water, of course, but more because they break the surface of the water than because of the bubbles they create - because the bubbles are so big and they travel so fast, there just isn't much opportunity for serious oxygenation.
And air pump is not filter your water. All it does it make air bubbles.
What are you refering to by bottom dwellers? Corydoras, plecos? It is not uncommon for corydoras to dart to the surface and back down again (the real display of a lack of O2 is when all your fish are gasping at the surface) - but I would be concerned that this is more the result of overstocking than from a lack of O2. I mean I haven't any idea what you've got in your tank so I may be way off the mark, but there are not many bottom dwellers that are small enough for a 10 gallon tank - cories should be in a 20 gallon, minimum, and even the smaller plecos need at least 20 gallons.
If you're concerned about O2, there's no reason not to get an air pump. It will help a little bit and it definitely will not cause any problems. You can hook it up to an airstone, bubble wall, or ornament. Bubble walls tend to be the most effective because they make the smallest bubbles.
Another option would be to get a more powerful filter. I ALWAYS overfilter - my 10 gallons each have filters for 30 gallons on them, even if they aren't overstocked. This will increase agitation and of course keep your tank cleaner. Or to simply lower your water level or prop your filter up a little bit (I've used a pen before - I just stick it along the rim of the tank under where the filter hooks over the tank side) to increase the distance the water has to travel to fall back into the tank.
Increase water changes help, too. You can go 20% every 5 days instead of like 30% every week or whatever you're doing now. Cleaner water, better oxygen.
2007-02-01 04:41:15 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Air pumps add really pretty bubble to the tank, and I've had a few goofy fish swim through them for fun. Other than that, there's not much benefit to air pumps.
If you're really worried about air exchange or water circulation, add a power head. Since you tank is only 10 gallons, get a small one, and you don't need the optional filters. The power head will move the water more, and if you aim the outflow toward the surface of the water, you can make waves, which helps with air exchange. Good Luck!!
2007-02-02 21:17:01 · answer #2 · answered by steve v 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Airpumps do absolutely nothing as far as putting dissolved oxygen into your tank.
The term dissolved oxygen (DO) refers to the amount of free oxygen dissolved in water which is readily available to respiring aquatic organisms. State water quality standards often express minimum concentrations of dissolved oxygen which must be maintained in order to support life as well as be of beneficial use. Levels of dissolved oxygen below 4-5 milligrams per liter affect fish health and levels below 2 milligrams per liter can be lethal to fish.
Oxygen from the atmosphere is mixed into the water through diffusion. However, more oxygen is mixed into the water with the help of waves or currents. The faster the water moves, the more dissolved oxygen the water will contain since it has more contact time with the air.
Air stones move very little water therefore do almost nothing for added air into your tank. Since you only have a 10 gallon tank evaporation is at a minimum (which is one of the largest reasons the DO would be low in any body of water). However, Warmer water deplets the DO at a faster rate. DO is rarely a problem in a 10 gallon tank, unless it is over loaded with fish.
Air pumps do nothing to clean the tank.
As far as your fish coming to the surface, beta's are air suckers as well as koi and gold fish. Depending on the kind of fish you have. If you feel your O2 levels are low you can test the DO in your tank with a kit. (Or take a sample to the pet store but this is the tricky part, you need a bottle with a stopper and the bottle must be filled completely and corked beneath the surface of the water with no air bubbles.)
Be sure your tank is not over loaded and check your water quality. You can do a 20% water change weekly to see if that helps. If not you have to get the water moving, a powerhead is a good choice or a larger filter to create more movement
2007-02-01 05:16:05 · answer #3 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In fact, the air pump is not necessary to keeping fish, except as noted above. An air pump will not directly put oxygen into the water, what it will do is two things:
1. Increase surface area
2. Improve circulation
Gas exchange - where the water dissolves oxygen and other gases from the air and releases excess carbon dioxide and other gases to the air - occurs over any and all surface area where the water has contact with air. By increasing the surface area of the water, each bubble gives the water further opportunity to release carbon dioxide and take up oxygen. However, this improvement from an air pump is shadowed by the improvement in circulation that the air pump can effect. The improved circulation will move highly oxygenated water from the surface lower in the tank allowing water with more carbon dioxide and less oxygen to the surface of the tank where id can release its carbon dioxide and take up oxygen. Of course, if you already have a good filter that is providing sufficient water circulation, then the benefit you will receive from an air pump is minimal.
2007-02-01 04:33:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
An air pump does two things for you tank. First it keeps the water circulating and it helps to maintain the oxygen level in the water.
2007-02-01 04:37:31 · answer #5 · answered by ijcoffin 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
an air pump will help add oxygen to the water and also adds water movement which helps control algae growth. in a 10 gallon tank its not overly necessary, you could lower your water level an inch or 2 to get a better current and more oxygen.
2007-02-01 04:35:09 · answer #6 · answered by evil_lasha 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
air pumps dont clean the tank. It adds oxygen to the tank.
If your fish are sitting at the top of the tank, you should check your water conditions.
2007-02-01 04:34:35 · answer #7 · answered by lorraine m 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
having oxygen in your water is necessary for your fish (even top breathers like bettas and gouramies) and for establishing a cycled tank. the bacteria need oxygen to survive. you can do this with plants as well. get a good oxygenator like java moss.
2007-02-01 04:39:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋