Ok, I have a question! :devil: I have NEVER run an air pump on any of my tanks. Yesterday, my brother in law was over and told me "you HAVE to have an air pump", so I went and bought one. I put it in the big tank, with the "big boys". Every since then, I have had fish floating on their sides, on the top, etc. Very unusual behaviour for my fish. I took the air pump out, and within 10 minutes, they were back to their usual selves again. Any input???
air pumps
- Thread starter itvilcu
- Start date
You do not need an air pump unless you do not have adequate surface agitation to preform gas exchange. Most all filters create enough surface disturbance that the use of an air pump is purely for decoration. If your tank is running fine without the pump and it looks like you are having problems with the air pump I would have to say do not use the pump.
Not only do you not need an air pump, but most filters work better than air pumps. So yep just do not use it. But keep it; if you ever have to transport or isolate a fish in a small container it will be helpful.
i dont have much experience, but to me that sounds like a defense mechanism. im just throwing an idea out...
sometimes the addition of extra gas into the water can cause the fish to basically get the Bends. especially if the bubbles are small (like if you're using a micro-bubbler), there's just too much gas forced into the tank. it causes "cavitation", where essentially bubbles start to form in the fishes' tissues and blood.
as other folks have said, you don't NEED an air pump. not everybody uses them, especially the advanced aquarists who already know the importance of surface agitation and over-filtration.
so tell your brother he can go "shove it".
as other folks have said, you don't NEED an air pump. not everybody uses them, especially the advanced aquarists who already know the importance of surface agitation and over-filtration.
so tell your brother he can go "shove it".
Thats funny coming from a female!!!! LOL :argue:plah831 said:so tell your brother he can go "shove it".
I'm curious as to what kind of air pump you have & what you hooked it to?? Is it adjustable?? Did you hook a microbubbler, air stone, or decoration? I realize it's been stated that they're not necessary but for those who choose to use them the info might be helpful. Thanxtonytheboss1 said:
The one I have, is just a small one (I think it said it was for a 10-20 gallon tank), and I hooked it up to an air stone. It isnt adjustable or anything like that, you just plug it in and away it goes!
That doesn't seem like it could make so drastic a difference in 55gl of water ?? I'm at loss 'Tracie'. I've run air on several different size tanks (by choice) & never encountered that. Currently running {2} six in. air stones on opposite sides w/ a high pressure pump & no problems. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good Luck