I noticed today that my bubble star stopped working and all the fish are swimming at the top of the tank. Is this to do with oxygen? i no they need it from the water but i never thought the bubbles made that much difference. (freshwater tank)
2007-03-12 01:21:10 · 12 answers · asked by emesumau 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
While some fish, like my goldfish, can withstand a low oxygen content in the water most can't.
Bubblers put oxygen into water, the surface area of a bubble being optimal for oxygen (by osmosis) to get into the water for the fish. The only other place where oxygen gets into the water is at the surface. There's probably too little getting in. Your fish will, in desperation, get what little they can from the water surface then die.
Until you get another use unchlorinated water frequently to refill your tank - good luck!
2007-03-12 01:35:59 · answer #1 · answered by salubrious 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Boy the differences here in info. Unfortunately novice fish keepers still are under the assumption that air stones put air into the water. I am sure they realize there are hundreds of these in every lake and ocean.
Air stones are for decoration only. The ONLY way your tank can get water is by movement of the water against air.
i.e. your filter pouring water into a tank, waterfalls, waves powerheads.
Dissolved oxygen comes from the air touching the water surface which is moving. Even the tiny bubbles rising to the surface of your tank do NOTHING to add dissolved air to the water. They are just bubbles reaching the surface. You are better off with a pitcher gathering water from the tank and Pouring it back in.
If your nitrate and ammonia levels are high, you will need to do a 20-25% water change, however do not fill your tank all the way to the top. Keep it about an inch from the top and allow your filter to DUMP water into your tank. This will add much needed DO2 to the water. (It works the same in salt water)
The bubble star isn't what is causing your fish to swim at the top. Sounds more like nitrates or ammonia.
Also, Gold fish and Koi require much MORE DO2 than most fish not less. This is why they are classified as POND fish.
2007-03-12 09:22:49 · answer #2 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not so much the bubbles, but the fact that they move the surface of the water. If you have a power filter that makes little waves on the surface of the water you don't really need an air stone in the tank other than for decoration.
If you don't have any thing in the tank moving the water right now and your fish appear in distress Don't Panic. Just do a 20% water change every day until you can get a new filter or air pump, and stir the surface of the water for about 5 minutes at a time 3 or 4 times a day. It' not perfect but it will keep your fish alive until you can replace your equipment.
CAUTION: The answer below this one suggests using chlorinated water DO NOT USE CHLORINATED WATER IT WILL KILL YOUR FISH VERY QUICKLY.
2007-03-12 08:32:03 · answer #3 · answered by > 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your fish are trying to breath by getting to the top where there is more oxygen. If you want your fish to live they will need the air pump replaced asap!! I'm sorry to tell you but it may bbe to late for some of them by the time to receive this and get the air stone replaced.
2007-03-12 08:36:30 · answer #4 · answered by vmaxx92 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
any movement in the water would increase the oxygen level in the water. and yes the bubbles makes a huge difference .
2007-03-12 08:26:54 · answer #5 · answered by pete 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depending on how big your tank is,yes it does make a difference.I have a 65 gal.tank and have 2 bubble wands in it.If they dont work,my fish head up also.
2007-03-12 08:29:48 · answer #6 · answered by Dixie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe they are hungry?
You can buy oxygen plants to put in the tank/bowl, make sure the roots are under the gravel level and they should keep living and growing, thus your fish will live with minimum effort applied!
2007-03-12 08:30:45 · answer #7 · answered by Tony Montana 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, they are trying to get oxygen. You need to change your filter, if you have one. If you don't have a filter, get one. Even if you have oxygen going into the water, they could still have trouble breathing. Their water needs to be filtered of any bacteria that they themselves put in it.
2007-03-12 08:28:02 · answer #8 · answered by summer 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
your fish are needing new water and if your aerator is not working then churn the water with a mug every few hours and get a new aerator asap.
2007-03-12 12:13:34 · answer #9 · answered by henrythevii 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh oh sounds like lack of oxygen to me... new water will help for a while but not too long, they can die in afew hours... do something asap!!
2007-03-12 08:24:31 · answer #10 · answered by lillypetal 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋