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View Full Version : To Air pump or not to Air pump....


13enzene
10-17-2008, 10:08 AM
Hey everyone,
Just got my first "big tank" (it is 20 Gallons so it is big for me) and I have a filter running in it (AquaTech 10-20) and I was wondering if I should have an air pump in it too. I did have the water level well below the out fall on the filter, which was kinda loud. I never had a tank before so I didn't know how quiet the filter was to be, or how much it was to churn up the water. After reading here that AquaTechs are amung the quietest filters (I had a laugh to myself listening to mine) I desided to add some more water cause obviously my level was low. Now wow what a differents, almost no sound at all. I have the water level so it just touches the out spout on the filter (is this the right level?) and now I notice it doesnt churn the water as much. There isn't a whole lot of bubbles made or anything like that so I was wondering if I should add an air pump to increase the surface area?

Thanks for the help, remember I am just learning.
LittlePuff
10-17-2008, 10:15 AM
If you don't have much surface turbulence, add it.
jpappy789
10-17-2008, 10:15 AM
The surface agitation from the HOB should be enough for gas exchange.

Air pumps are purely aesthetic IMO, in most cases.
13enzene
10-17-2008, 10:21 AM
Like the filter adds current and moves the water around (my fish like swimming in it) but there isn't any bubbles or anything like that (white water if you know what I mean).
jpappy789
10-17-2008, 10:45 AM
No need to have bubbles. If the surface of the water is being moved around by the filter then you are perfectly fine in terms of O2.
13enzene
10-17-2008, 10:47 AM
ok sweet. Thanks for the help so quick!!!! This is a really great place.
ChiaJesus
10-17-2008, 10:53 AM
Air pumps drive me insane. However I would recommend a battery powered air pump that will engage if there is a power outage.
jackiomy
10-17-2008, 11:02 AM
I had some really slow moving spots in my 40 gallon so I put an adjustable powerhead about halvway down my tank wall on the lowest setting with the air tube above the water. My fish love it and swim in the current all the time. And the plus is that you cant hear it at all.