Aeration Products, Are They Needed?

[pethappy]

I'm completely new to fish keeping. After reading a bit about it and looking into what i need to buy on some online shops, i've seen a lot of aeration products such as Airpumps and Airstones. I've read through the beginner guides on this forum but cant see any mention of them on the 'setting up an aquarium' thread or anything.

My question is, are they needed? What do they provide to my fish? Is it worth getting products like this, are they required?

 

[fluttermoth]

They're not required, no. I don't have airstones in any of my tanks. They may help a little by helping move the water from the bottom of the tank to the top where it can absorb oxygen, but a good power filter that moves the water around does the job perfectly well.

Of course, some people like the look of bubbles in their tanks and so have them for that reason

 

[waterdrop]

Agree with FM. I don't use them either. WD

 

[moochy13]

the bubbles wont aerate the water. the oxygen in the bubble escapes into the air when the bubble pops at the surface. at best, the popping bubble agetates the water surface, and if you're inclined you might like the aesthetic look.

 

[FishAreFriendsNotFood10]

i also find that fish are very intrested in them and mine happily swim thru the bubbles