Air pumps

[Pysgodyn]

I know they're not necessary, but I'm toying with the idea of trying one out, mainly for aesthetic purposes...

Do they have any other real purpose?

I understand that they come in various sizes/strength...what does this have a bearing on? Is it that the bubbles created by a small one wouldn't rise to the top of a deep tank? Or is there another reason? And if so, I assume that the measurement (e.g. 40cm) refers to the depth of the tank?

Any disadvantages?

 

[vantgE]

Airpumps do have a purpose, they break the top of the watter and create current promoteing gas exchange, for a healthier tank, this may also help remove protien buildup on the tank but this isn't likely a problem

If the pump isn't powerful enough it will not be able too push the air to the bottom of the tank and out the air hose, it may just push it slightly beneath the surface of the watter in the tube, I'd assume your right about the measurements but I don't know, however any new pump should work finr in a smaller tank, I have a few pumps that aren't powerful enough for my 20 but only because they are old and worn out- even my smallest pump work fine in my 60 gallon

Only disadvatages would come from fish very sensitve to current in the tank

 

[The-Wolf]

I'll just add that having too much air pumped ino a tank will dirve out CO2 thus stiffling plant growth, it can also (in extream cases) cause gas bubble disease in fish.
you have to have the correct sized pump for the aquarium. In other words don't go putting a pump designed for koi ponds on a 10 gallon tank.

 

[vantgE]

That would make one heck of a buble wall

Are certain fish especialy supceptable to gas buble desease?