No Air Pump

[clivealive]

my air pump has gone i would like opinion if i need one or not.

my tank is 4ft 18 x 15 with a ehiem 2073 with a spray bar.

The tank is close to its maximum fish level.
I have just 3 live plants.

So what do u think.

 

[fluttermoth]

As long as your filter outlet makes ripples on the water surface, you don't need an air pump.

 

[dh058977]

Appart from aesthetics air stones do very little, as long as your stocking levels are ok and your filter is causing surface movement you shouldnt need it. If you liked the look of it, buy another one!

 

[clivealive]

it makes bubbles or the surface 4" x 2"

its not about the look its about the fish heath.

 

[dh058977]

it makes bubbles or the surface 4" x 2"

The air pump? If so those bubbles will add little or no oxygen to the water.

 

[clivealive]

thanks

 

[CezzaXV]

To elaborate on what others have said, you need to keep the water surface moving to allow oxygen to get into the water. If you have a filter that does this, then no you don't need an air pump. Some people choose to have them anyway as they look nice, but it's not something you NEED.

 

[phishyphil]

As long as your filter outlet makes ripples on the water surface, you don't need an air pump.

+1

Simply Put and correct, all you need to know

 

[clivealive]

ok so what one should i get they all say there quiet and sound like a loud bee.

 

[Tolak]

I don't think he's arguing against the air pump, just pointing out where the overwhelming majority of the exchange of gasses actually occurs.

 

[locust267]

Well I'm selling my tetra aps300 as I've just ordered a power head and will still need to add a second external to my tank (cichlids).

I personally dont like the bubbles or the noise, and my old community tank didn't think anything for or against the bubbles. I suffered fish deaths before getting the air pump and still suffered losses whilst it was there (poor stock).

If I'd have known about power heads when I bought the air pump I would have just bought a power head.

 

[CezzaXV]

I don't understand the science of it all, but I never thought much has exchange happened in the bubbles themselves. Whenever I've had them on it was to keep the surface moving.

 

[clivealive]

i didnt want to start a war lads. thanks for all the comments though.
so overall opinion says i dont need an air stone until the filter goes slow or stops working , yes?
so if i dont get one i will be stuffed when / if the filter slows or stops?
its not the cost just the noise and if to get one.

 

[mark4880]

Getting back to the real question I just brought a tetratec aps50 and its so quiet I can't tell you, it also comes with a control valve to regulate the air flow if you want more bubbles or less bubbles. If you do buy one then IMO go for this brand.

 

[Juggler75]

Tbh, every pump I have ever tried has been loud or quiet, it depends where you sit them. My latest one, a cheepie from wilkinsons, I can't hear at all but it is hanging from a hook and string inside the cabinet not touching anything