Air ! Is More Air Better ?

[GavSuz]

as title
is more air better? or not?
got 1 air pump - 1 outlet, but could split and put a line into other side of tank to get air into other side.

would it be ok? - or is there a limit to how much air u put into a tank ?

Thanx

 

[Philcav7]

You need to make sure the pump is strong enough to run multiple stones.

 

[Lockhart]

You could run a tank without an air pump, so it's really up to you. What I've done is purchase the smallest model (I believe it's the Airvolution mini) and then tied a knot in the airline to slow it down and create a peaceful environment. Prior to tying the knot it was pretty powerful for the smaller model, and my tank is very deep.

 

[raptorrex]

as title
is more air better? or not?
got 1 air pump - 1 outlet, but could split and put a line into other side of tank to get air into other side.

would it be ok? - or is there a limit to how much air u put into a tank ?

Thanx

there is no need to have a air pump, and air stone, they are for decoration only.

just make sure you have so disruption on your tanks surface.

@lockheart. CLASSIC that's possibly the silliest solution I've ever come across. lol.

to reduce air flow, and not damage your pump, you need to bleed the excess air off. not restrict its passage. you LFS will sell the bits you need.

 

[GavSuz]

thanx for the replies
how come no disruption to the surface of the tank ?

 

[MBOU]

think it was meant to say "make sure you have *some* disruption to the surface of the tank"

 

[raptorrex]

think it was meant to say "make sure you have *some* disruption to the surface of the tank"

Err, quite right.

even though i said air pumps/stones are for deccor only, that doses not mean they are of no "practical" use.

I lay an airstone and an air curtain, across the back of my tank.
the air flow creates a small current (front to back0 this helps scavenge my substrate.
by pulling heavier item of detritus, to the back of the tank.
from there either my filter sucks it up, or its nicely placed for me to use a "basic" gravel vac, to remove it.

I've also noticed a fair few fish, and lots of inverts, seem to "play" in the bubbles.
on the "invert" theme, filter feeders will love to sit in the flow, and feed.

I'd also like to go back to the comments by Lockheart. or rather deal with the problem he highlights.
if your air pump "seems" to be too strong, simply fit a bigger air stone or toy.
if that is not, either practical or desirable, your lfs will sell little plastic taps. (or "banks" of taps).
you simply fit 2, in line, and open the first on slightly (and of course the second one fully) this will allow some air to "bleed" off, reducing the air through your stone/toy.
mind you, most "good" quality pumps, have a built in bleed system. so check first.
you can also get pumps that have a variable speed motor. which, in a way, solves the problem.

finally. never use an air pump without fitting a "none return" valve, in line

 

[MBOU]

And that... Raptorrex is fantastic advice

I definately agree about the non return valve, weirdly, the air pump most in desperate need of a non return valve is the BiOrb one! The non return valve (also called a Check Valve) on the BiOrb is hopeless, it lets water trickle back through it every time the air pump is turned off and the BiOrb airpump doesnt have replaceable diaphragms and cant be opened easily and go rusty very quickly.

If you have a BiOrb (or any of those tanks) I would advise buying a £1.99 (or thereabouts) non return valve because its cheaper than having to keep pay about £10 for a new airpump!