Bubbles on and off, problem???

[gorilla_builder]

I am new to AC and the hobby. I have a common pleco and a goldfish (both are very young) in my 10 gallon tank. I also have a bubble curtain in the back of the tank to provide better oxygen supply in the water, although it is mainly for decoration. Sometimes the sound of all the bubbles can be disturbing when I have company over, so I just shut it off at the gang valve.

Does the fluctuation in oxygen affect the fish in anyway?

P.S. - I am so glad I found this site. Everybody here is so helpful. Thanks.

[Holly9937]

Welcome to AC :thm: !! From what I understand, the bubble things don't do a whole lot in terms of adding oxygen to the water, so turning it off will not be a problem. However, what will be a problem is the fish that you have in that size of a tank! Do you have a plan to upgrade soon? If not, you really might consider trading them in before they get big at all. Unfortunately, those are such common fish, that you probably won't be able to find someone to take them off your hands once they've grown some! You will probably hear this several times, but don't be discouraged by it. I made some pretty big mistakes when I first set up my tanks! Until you decide what to do, just make sure you do at least 25% water changes once or twice a week, both of those fish are BIG waste producers and can foul up the tank pretty quickly

[Kasakato]

You will need a 55g for the Pleco, and 20g for the goldfish. So an upgrade is needed. If you cant return them, and re stock with more apporite fish.

Holly is right, they do not add a whole lot of oxygen into the tank, it is more just decor.

[thesydmonster]

I have an airstone I turn on when the top of my water looks oily (like after feeding bloodworms) or if the temperature starts to get warm because the bubble aggitate the surface of the water, not because the the bubbles add oxygen to the water for the fish. It is in my 10 gallon. I don't know if it's good for the fish to turn it off and on randomly but none of my fish seem to mind.

And I totally agree with everyone else that you need to get a bigger tank/tanks or get different fish! There is a lot you can do with a 10 gallon if that is the size you want but you need to do some research first!

[PJGirl112]

I agree...bubble curtains and airstones can be turned on and off.

I use them on hot days and after feedings...how long depends on the tank and fish. The cory cats and the gobies seem to LOVE the bubbles but not all day--only for a few minutes (up to an hour) depending on the tank. If the water flow is strong I don't think it will matter if you have them at all. I just like that it churns up the top water a bit and it sends some of the missed uneaten food back into the mid-water (with the help of the filter) to be eaten.

[f8ldzz]

Hmmm...I'm still not convinced that bubbles do NOTHING for aeration / addition of O2 to the tank / water...

I did a quick web search and really found nothing to support or contradict it.

Can anyone offer a definitive reference for this?

I mean look at all the C02 guys...aren't they pushing bubbles in the water?

[Slappy*McFish]

Bubble walls do help oxygenate the water by breaking the water surface inturn creating more surface area for oxygen exchange. They aren't neccessary, however, as most power filters and canisters will do the same as long as the waterflow from the filter 'ripples' the surface of the water. The only time you'll need any kind of airstone is if the tank is grossly overstocked and/or the water temp is too warm to supply the inhabitants ample O2.
As far as CO2 is concerned....the bubbles in CO2 injection are very fine and are dissolved in the water before they reach the surface. This method would be worthless with ordinary atmospheric air. I'm sure it could be done with pressurized oxygen, though I've never heard of anyone going to such an extreme.

[Watcher74]

I agree with Slappy. The bubbles being in the water does not oxygenate the water(from what I understand) but only the surface disturbance.

Plus CO2 injection uses "diffusers" to make the small bubbles of carbon dioxide dissolve in the water before they make their way to the open space of the tank.

[Kasakato]

I have a $50 defusser on my C02 line, so it better be adding some!