do tropical fish need oxygen or aeration?

Question

i was just wondering because some guy said that tropical fish need oxygen.

Answer 1

Yes, that guy is right about that, all fish need O2. That's what their gills are for, to extract O2 from the water. If you do not have some kind of water movement to facilitate O2 transfer from the air to the water, you will see them all at the surface gasping, trying to get enough O2 to live.

Any fish should have a filter in their tank (bowls are not good for keeping any kind of fish) and usually a filter provides water movement as it pumps the water back into the tank after filtering the fish doo and uneaten floating food particles from the water.

Sometimes, if fish are overcrowded in a tank, an air stone with a small air pump attached will aid in water movement so the O2 will transfer better. The surface of the tank is where it all happens, the movement of the surface of the water causes the release of the CO2 that is the result of fish breathing and the absorption of the O2.

Tropical fish also need a heater to keep the water at a constant temperature. If the temp fluctuates, it will stress the fish and compromise their immune system allowing opportunistic diseases and parasites to attack them and possibly kill them. Most tropicals should be at about 72-76 degrees. Bettas should be kept at a little higher temp, about 78-82 degrees. They are from southeast Asia and the water temp there is usually above 80 degrees.

Answer 2

They will need to have a filter, which provides movement in the water. That's how the oxygen is supplied, by moving surface water that has dissolved oxygen to the bottom area of the tank. "Tropical" fish are named such because they require temperatures over 76o, and this typically involves using a heater. There are some fish species (goldfish, loaches, corydoras, guppies, danios, white clouds) that are comfortable at room temperatures (low 70s).

These sites can tell you more about setting up an aquarium, and what temperatures each type of fish will need:
http://www.fishlore.com/BeginnersGuides.htm
http://www.firsttankguide.net/
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16

Answer 3

per week is completely the minimum. you'll locate with tropical fish that staying power fairly is a distinctive feature! i'd propose 10 days because with new tanks you'll continuously get some casualties even if the better few days can help. also dont be tempted to do a lot of water ameliorations with a sparkling tank, it doesnt help. ensure you've checked the PH of the tank and examine it again after some days. For an section tank you'd be wanting a PH of round 7. by the fashion start up off with some very hardy fish like guppies, mollies, platies or neon tetras. it is going to likely be a miracle in case you dont lose a pair because it continuously takes position with new tanks yet they ought to fare extra suitable than maximum. Dont be placed off on the starting up in case your fish look demise a lot, once the tank has matured issues will cool down. It takes some months a minimum of for that to ensue so persevere!

Answer 4

Well lets just say there not as simple as a goldfish bowl.

They need;
A pump/filter (must be on 24/7)
Heater/thermostat (must be on 24/7)
Water changes
Test the water for the right chemistry
If your considering getting tropical fish i suggest you read alot about it before you start

Answer 5

some tropical fish do but most dont but if u want buy a osygen strip at a pet store for about 5$ all u need is a pump and there u go

Answer 6

They can always use more oxygenation. It helps prevent stress which in turn helps prevent illness.

They do get oxygenation from the water filter, but it never hurts to enhance it.

Answer 7

Well, they all need a filter, and that should cause enough movement in the water to provide the oxygen they need. If you don't have a filter, they're not going to last long.