are fish tank air pumps necissary?

Answer 1

It really all depends on the type of fish you have/get. Bettas and goldfish nope

Answer 2

Not if you have a regular filter. Fish Story is right that a regular hang-on filter provides more in the way of dissolved oxygen and water circulation than an air pump does. The only significant dissolve oxygen enters the water at the water's surface. Air bubbles, either from and airstone or making a "waterfall" effect from a hang-on filter have too little contact time before they rise to the surface and burst. To get maximum surface area and oxygen saturation, you want to fill the tank so there's a ripple effect across the water's surface, not lower the water. This also increases the water circulation in the tank.

The only real purpose for using airstones anymore is to power sponge filters, undergravel filters (and a powerhead would be more effective here), air-powered ornaments, or because you like how a wall or area of bubbles rising to the surface looks in your tank.

Airstones don't "add" oxygen, they only increase water movement so the oxygenated water near the surface circulates through the tank, but other equipment (filter, powerhead) are even more efficient at this.

Answer 3

They aren't a necessity but they do help to add oxygen to the water. Unless you have a betta that breathes at the top and air pump with a fine stone is a great addition to any tank. Filters don't really add much oxygen to the water unless you have it set like a waterfall and that is usually disruptive to the tank and the fish. They are especially good if you have a tank that is tall instead of long with lots of top air surface. I have 2 running in my 55 gallon hexagon tank of goldfish.

Answer 4

If your filter creates enough surface agitation, then you don't need an air pump.

But consider this -- how is the drawbridge on your castle going to move up and down without it?

Edit:
The purpose of an air pump isn't to add oxygen to the water, it's to agitate the surface of the water so the gaseous exchange can take place there. Your fish will not suffocate without an air pump, unless you don't have enough surface area or your filter isn't splashing enough.

Answer 5

No, air pumps aren't neccesary. I really don't use an air pump unless I have a sick fish. My plants take good care of it once my lights are on. Also, if you are going to use an air pump, try and turn it all the way down unless you have a lot of fish.

Answer 6

No. Only if you don't mind buying fish every couple of days when the ones you originally bought suffocate.

Of course it is.
That's the purpose of a pump, to provide oxygen so the fish can breathe.

Answer 7

Yes. When operating an airstone, they release toxic gas by the bubbles they produce. They are very commonly used with undergravel filters.

Answer 8

Yeah.

Answer 9

yes