Aerators And Live Plants

[bcpatti3]

Do I still need an aerator. I have a 55 gallon tank with a bunch of Java Fern and newly introduced Vallisneria Jungle Plants. I have about 18 fish in tank. all small. The tank has been setup for over a year. I just read that you should try to avoid Aerators when dealing with live plants. I would love to stop using my aerator as it is loud (even though it is one of the quietest on the market) I figure between the two WHISPER 60 Filters and all the plants, there should be enough oxygen in the tank. Can I get rid of the aerator? I am also not currently using c02 injection.

 

[tennis4you]

Do I still need an aerator. I have a 55 gallon tank with a bunch of Java Fern and newly introduced Vallisneria Jungle Plants. I have about 18 fish in tank. all small. The tank has been setup for over a year. I just read that you should try to avoid Aerators when dealing with live plants. I would love to stop using my aerator as it is loud (even though it is one of the quietest on the market) I figure between the two WHISPER 60 Filters and all the plants, there should be enough oxygen in the tank. Can I get rid of the aerator? I am also not currently using c02 injection.

I took mine out as soon as I got my first plant. That aerator will burn off some of the CO2 you have in that planted tank, and those plants need all the CO2 they can get if you are not providing them with any. The fish will not need it