Airy Fairy

[nemery]

See, I've just set up a juwel Rio 180. it said in the manual that it didnt need an air line and that the waranty was void if you did. They weren't going to be responsibly for capillary cracks in the glass

But,

dont the fish need it? This is only my second tannk so I'm till a beginner. But I would have thought that unless you kept fish that like low oxygen levels...?

it's got a compact H filter and heater... and thats it.

Whaddya think? put one in? I'm going to have mainly catfish in

 

[tstenback]

Aquariums dont NEED airstones. They will help if you need more surface agitation to increase oxygen exchange but otherwise IMO they are mostly for effect.

 

[Helium_Junkie]

Air systems do not directly effect oxygen levels.
Oxygen levels are effected by the amount of surface area in your tank, bubbles create a higher surface area by increasing turbulence. More area = more oxgenation.

It is not necessary in the slightest, and most enthusiasts say that if you have an airline its still not a good idea to increase the stock in your tank (which is theoretically the main purpose of increasing the surface area, right?).

Treat them as purely decorative.

That said, some fish enjoy the bubbles to play in, as my Neons do

 

[wetwetwet]

See, I've just set up a juwel Rio 180. it said in the manual that it didnt need an air line and that the waranty was void if you did. They weren't going to be responsibly for capillary cracks in the glass 

New one on me!
Cann't think of the reasoning behind that - maybe someone can explain...

Otherwise as tstenback says...

If you want added 'bubbles' you can allways buy the venturi for the powerhead - less than a couple of quid

hth



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