bubble wall vs power head

[Earthgirl]

Know I now that ppower heads are mostly used for salt water, but I decided to use it.
But what do you all think about the pwer head vs a bubble wall?

 

[FrAnK3333]

Power heads are used all the time in freshwater aquariums. Thye are required for salt water aquariums though.

 

[a1wonder]

Bubble wall is great for smaller thanks or as an accent to and decorative feature, the power head has the benefit (in most cases) of an attachable filter so it can serve two functions. But the power head is also more expensive. In my next tank will most likely have both.

 

[CFC]

Powerheads all the way, bubble walls look tacky and can be a cause of hair algea problems. My 3 largest tanks all have one or two powerheads to circulate the water as well as their standard filtration. The powerheads can also be fitted with floss sleeves which polish the water by trapping any fine floating matter but i only do this if i want to good photos or have guests comming over.

 

[FrAnK3333]

Wait bubble walls create hair algue? Omg I wondered where all the hair algue was comign from even though its kinda almost gone.

 

[Teelie]

I've had two running in my 30 for over a year without any hair algae problems.

 

[CFC]

They dont always cause hair algea but are known to be a contributing factor in tanks that do suffer with hair algea problems. Hair algea thrives in high oxygen enviroments and the surface agitation caused by a large airstone creates faster gas exchange which results in higher O2 levels.

 

[phil]

Hi Earthgirl

I have both a bubble wall and a powerhead in my largest tank (as well as a fluval 4) the bubble wall is mainly used as a decorative feature.

Phil

 

[Earthgirl]

Yeah I really agree that the bubble wall was more of a decorative look and I am enjoying the power head way more! It doesn't cause water to splash up on the glass and no more algae growing that blocks lights (and I don't have to clean )

I really never liked the bubble wall and this solves my prob!

Thanks for the input guys.