Do I need to keep the bubbler?

[Strmwrng]

Good Morning all from SE Illinois,
I have a 5 gal tank that houses 3 Endlers. I’m trying to go from plastic to live plants and I ran out of patience I have Guppy grass that’s doing very well and a couple of plants that are on their way. Was trying to s-l-o-w-l-y remove the plastic plants as the live ones arrive but this morning just took them all out. I’ll fill it in over time.
My question; do I need to keep the bubbler in the tank? Between it and my hob filter, the guppy grass balls up in one place. But if it’s more of a benefit, then of course I’ll keep it. Thanks!!

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Good Morning all from SE Illinois,
I have a 5 gal tank that houses 3 Endlers. I’m trying to go from plastic to live plants and I ran out of patience I have Guppy grass that’s doing very well and a couple of plants that are on their way. Was trying to s-l-o-w-l-y remove the plastic plants as the live ones arrive but this morning just took them all out. I’ll fill it in over time.
My question; do I need to keep the bubbler in the tank? Between it and my hob filter, the guppy grass balls up in one place. But if it’s more of a benefit, then of course I’ll keep it. Thanks!!

As long as the HOB filter disturbs the surface enough to create enough gas exchange to keep the water oxygenated, then you don't need an airstone, nope Try taking it on a day when you're home and can keep an eye on the tank, if the fish start staying near the surface and gasping, it can mean there isn't enough oxygen in the water, so put the bubbler back in if that happens.

You could swap it out for a smaller airstone if you find you still need one, but this one is too much.

ETA: I'm really liking the natural look you're going with! Happy you persisted with live plants despite your initial difficulties! Worth it, aren't they? Do the fish seem to be enjoying the guppy grass?

 

[kwi]

If the HOB is agitating the surface probably not, keep an eye on the fish after removing the airstone and if they start coming to the surface gasping put it back in.

Edit: Ninja'd by the lovely @AdoraBelle Dearheart.......

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

If the HOB is agitating the surface probably not, keep an eye on the fish after removing the airstone and if they start coming to the surface gasping put it back in.

Edit: Ninja'd by the lovely @AdoraBelle Dearheart.......

Ahh, just proves that great minds think alike!

 

[Strmwrng]

As long as the HOB filter disturbs the surface enough to create enough gas exchange to keep the water oxygenated, then you don't need an airstone, nope Try taking it on a day when you're home and can keep an eye on the tank, if the fish start staying near the surface and gasping, it can mean there isn't enough oxygen in the water, so put the bubbler back in if that happens.

You could swap it out for a smaller airstone if you find you still need one, but this one is too much.

ETA: I'm really liking the natural look you're going with! Happy you persisted with live plants despite your initial difficulties! Worth it, aren't they? Do the fish seem to be enjoying the guppy grass?

Thanks! I like the guppy grass more than the fish seem to, lol! Yep, so glad to get rid of the plastic! So I’ll try your removal idea and keep an eye on it. Thanks so much for your help and cheerleading!

 

[Strmwrng]

If the HOB is agitating the surface probably not, keep an eye on the fish after removing the airstone and if they start coming to the surface gasping put it back in.

Edit: Ninja'd by the lovely @AdoraBelle Dearheart.......

Thanks! Two of the same idea makes it official, so gonna try it!

 

[AilyNC]

Tank is looking lovely. Cute Endlers

 

[itiwhetu]

If the air stone is at the bottom of the tank it is the best way to pull water from that region of the tank to the top. So I would say leave it in. But turn it down a little, they don't have to run fast to be effective.

 

[Fishiemang]

Can't.you anchor the grass in the substrate? Or is it sposed to drift around the tank?

Bubbles, like mentioned, are the best way to actually circulate the water in the tank,.so I wouldn't.remove it. Go to the store and.get a $2 valve and put it inline and change the rate at which it bubbles...(I know...redundant post....but....to give idea as to how to change the rate....haha....)

 

[Strmwrng]

If the air stone is at the bottom of the tank it is the best way to pull water from that region of the tank to the top. So I would say leave it in. But turn it down a little, they don't have to run fast to be effective.

I’m just now able to get back to my thread...I already stopped after work and purchased a smaller air stone because I’m not able to regulate the little pump it’s connected to. I haven’t put it in yet tho, thanks for the info. Good to know that slower can be as effective

 

[kwi]

I’m just now able to get back to my thread...I already stopped after work and purchased a smaller air stone because I’m not able to regulate the little pump it’s connected to. I haven’t put it in yet tho, thanks for the info. Good to know that slower can be as effective

You can buy a valve that goes in the line to regulate air flow, they're cheap.

 

[Strmwrng]

Can't.you anchor the grass in the substrate? Or is it sposed to drift around the tank?

Bubbles, like mentioned, are the best way to actually circulate the water in the tank,.so I wouldn't.remove it. Go to the store and.get a $2 valve and put it inline and change the rate at which it bubbles...(I know...redundant post....but....to give idea as to how to change the rate....haha....)

Thanks for your info, I didn’t know about the valve. I already got a smaller stone, but it’ll bubble just as fast as the one I had only in a smaller area. If it’s still too much for the guppy grass I’ll pick a valve up.
As for the grass ‘drifting around’, I bought it hoping it would float on top. Even with the bubbler removed it’s still filling one side of the tank from top to bottom. Not quite sure what to do with it? I’m open to ideas...

 

[Strmwrng]

So I’m not sure how I messed up my replies in this thread, sorry that I made it so confusing!! New to forums as well as fish keeping!

 

[Essjay]

I used a splitter (manifold) to reduce the air flow from an air pump.



Opening the unused tap bleeds air into the room and reduces the amount of air going to the tank.