What size aquarium air pump should I buy?

Question

I have a 70 gal. tank and a 23" bubble wall. The package the bubble wall came in says that a 40 gal. pump can operate this. Would that size be sufficient, or do I have to worry about getting a larger pump to overcome water pressure? The tank is about 26" deep. I don't have anything else to hook up to it. I am considering the Tetra whisper 40 or 60. Would there be any problem hooking up the stronger 60 to the bubble wall? Thanks!

Answer 1

If this is only for supporting the bubble wall as a tank decoration then the tank size doesn't really matter much for the air pump and I'd get what the bubble wall requires for a minimum. If this is intended to be used as the only source of oxygenation for the tank, then get at least the minimum recommended size for your tank.

Answer 2

You should always use a pump that is for your size of tank or bigger. It also depends on the amount of fish in your tank.
1 inch of fish per gallon is a guideline. not accurate though as some fish are long and skinny and some are short and fat. you judge . anyways not enugh air means dead fish. Id be safe and make sure my bubbler was for at least a 65 gallon tank at the least. Also be sure that your air wall can handle that much air. Don't forget your check valve to make sure no water runs into the pump.

Answer 3

It's okay to leave it in even if it's floating. The bubbles disturb the surface of the water which is where a lot of the oxygen transfer occurs, so it will work almost as well even if it's not bubbling up through the water column.

Answer 4

If you hooked a 60 to it, it would be ok, It would give you more bubbles,

Answer 5

go for the sixty, it will provide greater circulation,more bubbles and less chance of blockage from algae. as far as the hook up adapters are available but probably not needed.