First off, how many air stones should I have in an 18 gallon tank? Second, what size pump should I have? Third, how does the pump, tubing and air stones all fit together. I have three goldfish books and they dont really explain it.
Thanks for you help!
2007-12-30 13:56:57 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
you should get a air pump for a 20 gallon tank..and it doesnt matter how many air stones you get..its up to you..there are different designs depending on what look you think you'll like best..however it is nice to have a good amount of air in the tank. As far as assembling goes..you will put the sirstone in the tank (underwater) one end of the tube attaches to the air stone and the other end of the tube attaches to an outlet on the air pump..the air pump is going to sit on the outside of the tank and plug into an electrical outlet.
2007-12-30 14:07:17 · answer #1 · answered by krazynbeautiful07 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bubbles created are there to circulate water. They don't do much of anything for putting air into the water.
You'll often see, especially with larger tanks, bubbler tubes and a tray underneath, this pulls the stuff in the water to the bottom by pushing water up.
So it really depends on how much bubbles you want to create.
Talk to your pet supplier.
I have a medium sized dual output pump with two tubes and air stones in my 30 gal.
2007-12-30 14:03:09 · answer #2 · answered by E. F. Hutton 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't NEED to have any, as long as you have a power filter. If your only filter is an undergravel type and you're using airstones to power it, you would want at least two if this is a rectangular - one on each end of the tank. Where exactly they would be placed depends on how your undergravel is built - you might have places for 2-3 tubes as in this setup: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10636/product.web , but if the tank is a corner or hexagonal tank, there may only be one: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/23135/product.web
You don't say if you plan to use any air powered ornaments, such as divers that rise to the surface, clamshells that open when enough air builds up inside, or bubble curtains to just make walls of bubbles. You need to count all these as well.
Count one airstone for each tube in your undergravel filter, and connections for each tube plus each ornament and air wand. Then you can get a gang valve (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/14345/product.web ) with at least that many outlets. You can control the amount of air that goes to each feature using the levers to increase or decrease the amount of air to that connection. You'll also need tubing: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/15795/product.web .
Place the tubes and ornaments where you want them and hang the gang valve in a convenient spot, and cut the length of tubing needed to reach between the ornament and valve. You'll also need connectors to attach the airstones to the tubing if they don't come with them or your undergravel kit.
For the air pump, look at the side of the boxes - there should be a chart with tank depth and number of features you want to run that will let you know what size pump to buy. I personally like the TetraTec Deep airpumps, because they have a little more power for running air in deep tanks, so they don't wear out as quickly.
ADDITION: Some additional photos of setting up: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3700&rel=1
2007-12-30 14:36:29 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ask the guy or girl in the pet store, its easy. a small pump and 2 air stones is plenty
2007-12-30 14:00:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋