Air Stone and Bubble Bars

Most of your gas exchange is caused by surface agitation. Airstones help, but are not the most effective way to introduce oxygen into your tank. This is because the bubbles that are formed are still very large. These large bubbles have a low surface area to volume ratio, and therefore aren't efficient. Your best bet would be to use a filter that causes a lot of surface agitation (like a hang on back filter) or you could point the output of a canister filter so that it causes lots of agitation. Another option is to use a powerhead to do the same thing. So, to answer your question; No, it is not necessary. You can introduce oxygen in a more efficient manner. However, it will not hurt anything (unless you're introducing CO2 for plants... but that's another show...). If you like the look, put it in. If you don't own an airpump, it's not necessary to go and buy one.
 
Thanks Christophr1260, As a newbie you have a tendency to put everything under the sun on your shopping list. I will be researching this forum and reading a couple of books for the next two weeks before I start spending the cash! I think the bubbles are nice but you mentioned a posible problem with CO2 so I better leave the bubble bar in the store. I would prefer to see some nice plants more so than the bubbles.

Thanks again
 
If you're planning on a planted tank you want as little surface agitation as possible. If you haven't bought the filter yet, a canister's your best bet - HOBs cause a lot of disturbance and will flush out much of your CO2.
 
Thanks Blinky

Thanks Blinky,

Nice looking tanks. I really like the 45g with the plants. I am also starting to understand how many fish a tank will hold. I notice most people list the components of their tanks,,,,,,,,so I am taking notes!
 
A HOB will never be as good for a planted tank as a canister will be, but there are ways to reduce surface agitation with a HOB. I have recently set up my first planted tank and all I had available for filtration was a HOB. As a grad student, I wasn't about to drop $100 on a canister, so I decided to modify my HOB. I cut a piece of filter block sponge to fit the outlet of the filter and tied it on using fishing line. This slows the return water and eases the disruption of the surface. If you need a picture of my hillbilly rigging, I would be glad to provide one. As I said, not the best way, but sometimes Mr. Wallet dictates that you have to improvise. :)
 
hforney - thanks for the compliment :D The 10g actually looks different now - I added more Crypts, the water sprite's growing in and now there are fish in the tank! Here is a picture, if you want to see it.
christopher1260 - I think your solution is great - I actually really like HOBs and use one on my small tank. I just meant that if hforney hadn't chosen yet, a canister was the best type of filter to get. Thanks for the laugh - Mr. Wallet does a lot of my decision making too :)
 
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