Hello I'm A New Tropical Fish Owner

[harryL]

Hi all, I would like to introduce my self. My name is Harry and i'm quite new to owning tropical fishes. Also, i would like to ask a question, it's been asked before but I'm still quite unaware of how to get the best amount of oxygen into the tank. I already have a air pump in the tank but it appears that the fishes like to reside at the top of the tank. Is it due to the lack of oxygen in the tank? I dont see them grasping for air at the top though, they're just staying there and I just wanna see them swim around throughout the tank

thanks for all the help B)

 

[donna123]

hi,
welcome to tff,
how longs the tank been up and running for? what type of fish do you have?
how bigs the tank and how many fish are in there? also do you know what the ammonia and nitrite and nitrate readings are? do you do a water change every week and how much do you change at the time?
are the fish new? hope thats not to many questions lol, all the best donna

 

[harryL]

There are around 9 small little guppies in a 10 gallon tank. I change the water weekly and i usually take out 2/5 of the water. The fishes are new to the tank. They've been in there for about 2 weeks. Also, i can't provide the ammonia and nitrite reading..I dont have the supply right now to allow me to know...Sorry..

thanks for the response!

 

[k.o.d]

Guppies do like to roam the top of the tank, some small tank mates to occupy the lower ranges may be in order

The best way to oxygenate the tank is to have a current on the surface so there is constantly agitated water as that is wher the oxygen exchange takes place, waterfalls, spray bars or even the pump otlet just below or at the surface provides good agitation, the oxygenation from the air bubbles comes mainly from the broken water at the surface.

 

[rob newland]

also to add to what k.o.d said how about a filter with a venturi on? It's good and spreads oxygen around well but is really noisy.

 

[harryL]

thanks for the responses but i have a new question as for the air stone, my air pump is connected to the air stone and i was wondering where should the air stone be placed? There is a large amount of bubbles forming at the surface of the tank, is that bad? Because i dont see the fishes swimming to that side anymore. thanks!

 

[fiddleback]

also to add to what k.o.d said how about a filter with a venturi on? It's good and spreads oxygen around well but is really noisy.

It should be Ok to have an airstone on the bottom of the tank with bubbles coming up, my fish sometimes swim in the bubbles but others keep away, this is not a problem though.