do you need an air pump?

[GMcD]

I was just wondering if you really needed to use an air pump on an aquarium. I currently have a 46gal bowfront with a HOB biowheel filter. From what ive heard, that should aireate the water enough without the need for an air pump. Is this true, or should I keep my air pump running also?

 

[G_Sharky]

The HOB should agitate your water good enough to produce oxygen, you could put the air pump on for cosmetic purposes....If it's a power head then it would help your filter pick up all the crap that's floating around and prevent all the dirt from getting stuck in your gravel....Also if temp is high then you will need the airpump to compensate for Oxygen lost due to high heat.....

 

[GMcD]

Ok thank you.

But now another question. What are the benefits of a power head and are they worth their cost?

 

[Matty]

do you run powerheads from airpumps?

and to answer the question, powerheads create current and agitate the water

 

[lighter]

If you already have a powerhead in the tank, you dont really need an additional air pump because there's already water agitation from the powerhead.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

powerhead are really just pumps. they keep crap from gathering up and keep the water circulated

 

[GMcD]

thanks for the info.

i have 4 tinfoil barbs and a plec in a 46 gal tank, would a power head help with water quality?

 

[freddyk]

A power head helps to circulate the water, distributing oxygen and heat evenly around the tank. placed near the bottom it can keep debris off the sand base and in the water until it's picked up by a filter. Placed near the top it can agitate the surface and help with the oxygen exchange.

With the huge fish you're stocking, you'll need all the help you can get. Do you have future plans for those fish?

 

[Ferris]

Provided there is some agitation of the water surface, it doesn't matter how you do it, via powerhead or airstone. Another factor though is some fish either like or dislike current so this may influence your decision. For example Bettas do not like any water flow wheras many cichlids prefer it.

Hope this helps!