View Full Version : Air Pumps
Captain Hook
10-26-2003, 2:30 PM
Hey guys I just bought my girlfriend a 35 gallon tank that has a biowheel 330 filter. Yesterday I added two dwarf gouramies that seem really happy. I have an air pump and airstone to use on the tank but I don't really want to if I don't have to.
I was wondering when fish need air pumps and when they don't. I know this is really to answer. I'm guessing she will probably want to stock the tank pretty well, maybe another dwarf, a nice school of rainbowfish, some bottom dwellers (probably a few cories) and a few ottos. There isn't alot of disturbance created by the 330 because the water level is so high.
What do you guys think? I am curious on any opinions or past experiences about air pumps. I have always used on so I don't really know.
Matt W
10-26-2003, 3:31 PM
There is no need for the pump and stone. The 330 will keep the water with plenty enough oxygen.
Yup, I agree. The only time I use air stones (other than for cosmetic reason) is when I need to keep fishes in the tank for few days with no filter at all to make sure there's more oxygen.
I guess you can observe yourself - if all the fishes move up and stay near the surface, you need more aeration. If not, you have enough O2.
Captain Hook
10-26-2003, 4:48 PM
Thanks guys I will make sure to keep an eye on the fish to see if they can get enough oxygen. So you think the 330 will add alot of oxygen into the water? I don't see many air bubbles in the water because there really isn't much surface disturbance.
Bubbles don't provide O2 - it is the surface disturbance that provides additional surface area to exchange gas from higher concentration to lower concentration (O2 is almost always higher on the air side). So don't worry about that... :D
Leopardess
10-26-2003, 8:28 PM
Another thing to think about is that gouramis and cories can live in water with a lower oxygen content, as gouramis are labrynth fish and cories strike the surface and can force extra air through their gills.
Also, what kind of rainbowfish an dhow many are you planning on? Rainbowfish like a fair amount of swimming room and some quite quite large! (What i wouldn't do for a full grown australian!) And, I assume you have let the tank cycle before putting the fish in?
Captain Hook
10-26-2003, 9:11 PM
Well I can't really say how many rainbowfish but I guess I can throw out an estimate. I saw some real nice dwarf neon rainbowfish at the store the other day and they were a great price. If they are still available in a few weeks when I want to add some more fish we will probably get about 4.
Leopardess
10-26-2003, 9:12 PM
Hehe, okay. Dwarf neons are a far cry from an australian or even a goyder river.:) I wish I could find those around here...alas...
MaryPa
10-27-2003, 12:36 AM
Leopardess ask your lfs to order some for you.Mine laughs at me when i order something he doesn`t have,he says "You`ve been in the fish forums again":D
Leopardess
10-27-2003, 1:49 PM
Yah, I tried that. But then I gave up. I've asked on numerous occations for certain fish, he agreed to try and order them, and then days, weeks, and months went by...with no fish. Same with plants...I had asked for some anubias petite nana and some coffefolias...and he said "oh sure....let me jot that down." Well...that didn't work lol. So, I pretty much gave up on that. I would rather order direct from a breeder anyway.
Thanks, though.