Surface turbulence for oxygen

[Hartwell]

How much, if any, surface turbulence does a tank need to provide for good oxygen levels? I have a Ehium 2126 with a spray bar, and don't want to hear much if any of the water. I have the spray bar underwater directed at a 45 angle so the water surface moves a lot. This is a 72 gallon tank. Should I buy a test kit for oxygen levels :dive2:

[kcooley]

no all you need is surface movement without a film over the top. that film will keep transfer from occurring.

[Marinemom]

The way that you have it is probably fine. I position my spraybars from my eheims just at the water's surface instead of underneath the water and as long as you keep the water level high enough the sound of the water does not happen. By doing it this way there is plenty of surface aggitation which in turn gives enough oxygen for my fish.

Marinemom

[CaitxSith]

or i guess, aeraters would work... since the bubbles create more surface agitation..

[CAF]

It would depend on if you are dosing CO2 as well... try this link for an idea on possible O2 alternatives.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/37211-diy-oxygenator-fun-emergencies.html

[ewurm]

I use aeration on all my tanks. If the spray bar is underwater, you might not be getting enough transfer. Also, higher temps need higher aeration levels.

[Hartwell]

no live plants so no Co2. :D

[number1sixerfan]

what do you all use for aeration? Powerheads for surface agitation or air pumps and bubblers? I will be setting up a 55gal and I don't know how I should provide aeration. I'll have two emperor 400s so there will be some surface agitation through that alone.

[Marinemom]

You will get plenty of surface aggitation with two emperor 400's so there really should be plenty of oxygen for the fish. You could run an airwand of of an air pump if you want to but that is up to you.

Marinemom

[number1sixerfan]

Thanks, I hate the sound of air pumps, so I was hoping to get the surface agitation needed from the emperors.