bubbles

[yvonnedono]

So, I've been convinced to get rid of the airstone bubbles to see if that will help my plants. But - it scares me cause I do not understand how the fish are getting their oxygen to breath, especially at night.... I do not use an undergravel filter, so the only way the surface of the water breaks is with my bio-wheel filter (which causes very few bubbles at the surface of the water)

[Beth]

I don't know exactly how many plants you have in there but they are certainly a source of oxygen for the fish.

You can always remove the airstone and moniter the fish for several days to make sure none are gasping for air at the top of the tank or showing other signs of stress.

[punch]

I have a 65 gal. planted tank. I have not used an air stone or anytype of air pumped in to my tank for the last year. I have had no problems.

[Godslayer]

There is normally more than enough oxygen in the water to support fish. Unless there are TONS of fish, wouldn't worry about it. As mentioned, watch your fish to be sure.

[Andy16]

Lack of oxygen doesnt happen a lot. A little surface agitation should be all you need. If your tank isnt overstocked, there is nothing to worry about. you can test for the oxygen level in your tank if you are really that worried about it.

[yvonnedono]

thanx one and all. I feel reassured and am prepared to say good bye to my airstone! Now for the next step..... CO2 injection...

[Matak]

The plants do release some CO2 at night (but not a huge amount). But just in case, I put my air pump on a 10 PM to 7 Am cycle to free the CO2.

[NJ Devils Fan]

You are fine. Having an airstone is actually worse for the plants. They need injected CO2. You will not want a filter that makes a lot of surface agitation because it will make the CO2 in the tank gas off and the plants will obviously not get it.