Air Pump

[21rm]

I've read conflicting stories about whether an air pump is needed, or is beneficial to a tank.
I have one in my tank, and although its nice the noise can be a bit loud.

On this site Ive read ppl say that aeration is needed for the tank, but I've seen others say it isn't actually needed
and some people have said that the movement of the air breaking the surface of the water??? but that this can also be obtained by having the filter spout above the water line.

So basicially, I'd like loads of ppl to reply to this and tell all your different views on air pumps please
in advance

 

[21rm]

Anyone??

 

[star4]

I have 4 tanks running without an airpump now after reading the same as you. The biggest tank has a spray bar fitted just on the waterline and you can see tiny air bubbles in the water. 2 of the others I have connected a pipe to the internal filter which comes out of the water, this creates a large amount of air. The other one I am running an aquaball filter, these come with a brill little nozzel with a pipe that sticks above the water and draws air in as the pump is running again pumping air into the water.

Hope this helps

 

[Rooster]

NOT "needed ! The only reason you NEED one is to drive an air powered filter... or to create some water movement... any filter (or pump) that make the water surface MOVE (doesnt have to bubble or splash !) is all you need.