Air pump necessary?

[Aquarius0015]

I am in the final stages of researching/comparing products for my new aquarium (which will be a Eclipse System 12 gallon). I do not currently have an air pump because my HOB filter does a great job of aerating my 2.5 gallon for my betta and shrimps. However, I am afraid that the filter alone will be inadequate for the increased number of fish. I intend on keeping a betta, 2 or 3 platies and 3 or 4 small cories.

Must I buy a pump and airstone setup? Or will the live plants and the agitation of the filter be enough? I intend on getting some java moss, java ferns and anubias. I normally would buy the air pump just to be sure, but my betta really does not like bubbles (I used to have an airstone) and I would prefer not to disturb him if possible.

[fishfood]

You'll find a whole load of posts about this topic if you do a search. I don't use an air pump/air stone and most people would probably agree that you don't need it, especially in a planted tank. In fact, the added agitation will probably let CO2 out of the water, which is not good for the plants.

[aquariumfishguy]

If the current filter you have now isn't going to be enough for the new tank, an air stone will do nothing in the way of filtering. Air stones are controverial in the way that some say they help greatly while others disagree. I happen to like them but like I said, they aren't going to improve the situation of a poor filtration system...you'll need to upgrade your filter if the current one isnt enough. ;)

[Aquarius0015]

they aren't going to improve the situation of a poor filtration system

I'm not talking about filtration. I am worried that there might not be enough dissolved oxygen in the water. The current filter serves the dual purpose of filtering and aerating because it breaks the surface of the water, I am just worried that the new filter will not do enough to aerate the tank because of the increased fish load.

[Aquarius0015]

Just for clarification, I will not be using my old filter in my new tank. The Eclipse system comes with a BioWheel filter built in, so I will not be able to upgrade, but I have heard that they are excellent, so I am not worried.

[OrionGirl]

The Biowheel will expose vast amounts of water to the surface, and allow plenty of oxygen exchange. I would not run an air pump--it will increase evaporation, and in small tanks this can be a problem.

[Aquarius0015]

Thanks OG!