Some beginners questions..... help :)

[Jovigirl25]

Hi. Waiting on delivery of Juwel Vision 180 - when it arrives I want to get it all set up. I just wondered what people's thoughts were on backgrounds? Are they necessary or help the fish in any way? Are the 3D ones worth extra cost? Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, I was wondering about external filters - is this something I should
Run alongside the internal built in filter?

Final question you'll be pleased to know is on air stones. I want to create extra oxygen for the fish and wondered about an air stone rather than a wand but I've seen like what I can only describe as bubble discs and wondered if these might be better?

Thanks!

 

[Byron]

As this is the first time I have posted in response to your post, welcome to TFF.

Background. Yes, this is important for fish. A dark background will ease the stress of fish, calming them. I prefer basic black without a shiny finish. Anything shiny will reflect back into the tank, which can annoy fish, and make viewing the tank not as easy for us either. I have picture backgrounds on my two largest tanks (4 feet) but they are not bright and that is key. All my other tanks have black construction paper. It is invisible, gives the impression of more depth, and does not detract from anything in the tank, which is what you really want to see.

Filters depend uon the fish, and I mean more than just the numbers. The type of fish matters; some fish need current in the water, some fish are bedst without any or very, very little. I don't know the specific Juwel 180 but I will suggest the internal filter may be sufficient in most cases. We can discuss this more if you let us know the intended fish, any live plants, etc.

I am not a fan of airstones or bubble wands or anything similar, but that's just me. I like natural aquascapes that replicate the fish's habitat as close as I reasonably can. Fish will be healthier if the aquascape provides anything they may consider "necessary." Provided the fish load is in balance for the tank size and filter, and the fish species are suited to each other (active fish in with sedate fish will create issues for example), it should not be necessary to add additional oxygen beyond the surface disturbance. But, some fish don't mind them. Again, knowing the intended fish will help.

Byron.

 

[Gruntle]

Bubbles from an air device (stones, wands or whatever) don't actually add much oxygen to the water. The oxygen is "added" at the surface of the water.

Having said that, if you have a fairly still surface (no ripples or discernible movement) then air stones can help, or filter outlet placements can be adjusted so the surface has some rippling.