Oxygen Worries

[Stonefish]

Hi Guys,

I have opted for fake plants for my tank....and im worried about there not being enough oxygen in the tank.

The tank had only been running 3 days......but what can i do to make sure the tank has enough oxygen in it?

Sorry for all the silly questions...i just want everything to be just right before i start adding any fish.

cheers

Rob

 

[shroob]

As long as there is surface agitation I wouldn't worry too much. I've had 'all fake' tanks in the past and no fish has suffered. Another example is african cichlid tanks, many of these have no plants just rocks and they get oxygen through surface agitation.

 

[CFC]

I dont have plants in any of my tanks, having a planted tank usually means having to sacrifice on fish as the two dont really mix, you either focus on plants and have a few small fish or you focus on fish and might be able to have a plant or two but dont expect a lush underwater jungle. Unless your tank is grossly over stocked or you are keeping coldwater mountain stream species then your tank should get all the oxygen it needs from gas exchange at the surface just by providing a bit of water movement.

Something not many people realise is that while plants do produce oxygen during the day at night when the lights are out they actually take oxygen from the water, which is bad news for any fish with higher oxygen demands or community tanks with higher stocking ratios. Many an unexplained over-night death can be traced back to low oxygen levels caused by heavy planting.

Leave the plants in the garden and keep fish in fish tanks is what i say.

 

[Stonefish]

That's great thank you for the info

 

[mhfan06]

Air Stones and an air pump! As far as planted tanks go, it is true that you want the least surface agitation to keep the precious co2 injected. (the plants turn it into oxygen and it dissolves in the water) At night, just turn on your air stone and air out the tank but during the day turn the air stone off. Having a planted tank does not mean u sacrifice fish. Plants help water parameter and some fish love real plants. (either food or hiding places) Also, plants makes the water soft for those tropical fish that need it. You probably wont have an oxygen problem though as long as you don't overstock.