Aip Pump Questions

[FishFanatic04]

We have settled on the play sand but my next issue is about air pumps. We have an air pump running with two 3" airstones in our 46g{which is river rock gravel}. For our 75g with sand I don't think we could bury airstones in sand without them just uncovering themselves.....Do you need an air pump at all? I'm confused about how to use one with sand as substrate.

 

[Cazgar]

If your filter ripples the surface of the water, then you shouldn't need an air stone

 

[FishFanatic04]

We are going to have 2 Marineland Penguin 350B filters running on the tank, so that should ripple the water. Do you mean ripples like an ocean tidal wave? hahaha or just ripples?

 

[Cazgar]

From what I've learned here, as long as it makes ripples & breaks the surface, you should be fine.
The current depends on what fish you're going to have.
I only have livebearers & Oto's in my main tank & they seem to love a fast current

 

[XeroTolerance]

We are going to have 2 Marineland Penguin 350B filters running on the tank, so that should ripple the water. Do you mean ripples like an ocean tidal wave? hahaha or just ripples?

That sounds like that should suffice.

 

[CezzaXV]

As long as the surface of the water is moving (and so creating oxygen in the water) that will be fine. Air pumps aren't necessary, but some people recommend them in case the filter fails one day. They're a desirable thing to have, but not essential.

 

[FishFanatic04]

Thanks everyone that helps alot. We love the look of the airstones under our gravel and may try something in the back of the tank with an airstick or bar...but now the pressure is off and if we don't find something we like we won't worry about the pump.

 

[XeroTolerance]

No problem.

Do you like bubble wands? Sometimes they stick out like a sore thumb but they get the job done.

 

[FishFanatic04]

I looked at some and I found one to try. Thanks! If the wand sits against the back bottom wall my plants and things will maybe hide it just enough to look nice....

 

[XeroTolerance]

I looked at some and I found one to try. Thanks! If the wand sits against the back bottom wall my plants and things will maybe hide it just enough to look nice....

No problem!

That's what I would do as well. Try and use some plants to hide it.