Is a powerhead much better than the airpump/airline/airstone combo?

Question

I have a airpump for my 28 tank to supply my fish with dissolved oxygen, but a powerhead seems much more impressive than a bubbly old airpump. If they are better than an airpump what is a good type to get? Heres a link:

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/nav/freshwater/index.html

Answer 1

The air pump is fine,the power-head is more showy. If you keep fish that might appreciate some current(riverine species) then go with the power head,fish that come from calm waters might fare better with the old bubbler. When I use power-heads I usually get Aquaclear or Penguin,because repair parts are easily available,and they do wear out. Neither device actually injects oxygen into the water,all of the exchange of gasses takes place at the surface of the water when the "surface tension" is broken. It's really up to you and your fish.-------Good luck.-----PeeTee

Answer 2

It really depends on what you need it for and what kind of fish it's intended for. As Pee Tee said, some fish appreciate a strong current, but the contrary is true too. Some fish get stressed out from such a strong current. This happened to me once too. I placed the power head on the left side of the tank one night. The next morning, all the fish were huddled up on the right side of the tank near the bottom to avoid the current. Please provide the kind of fish in the tank where you plan to put the air stone/power head in. Without the fish, I can tell you this. If what you want is more dissolved oxygen in your tank, the power head is the way to go. The question is if your fish will mind it or not. Sometimes, air stones provide a good amount of oxygen without making such a forceful current. If you do choose the air stone, make sure you put them near the wall(s) of your tank. This setup will provide the oxygen without interfering in the open space that the fish have to swim in.

Answer 3

yes the power is better the current will provide o2 for the fish the air pump/stone is show and does not provide o2 for the fish since the bubbles pop on top of the water.