Are air stones/pump needed?

[Darrin]

I have a 55 gallon tank. I have a HOB filter and a canister, wich together, should be filtering about 750 gallons an hour. Probably overkill, but that's what I have.

My questions is do I need to run an air pump with air stones for oxygenation? I just turned off the air pump and filter, the tank is more enjoyable and my residents seem a little more at ease.

Do I need to trun the pump back on?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i dont have any air pumps in my tank. they are not needed in most tanks.

oh i dont think there is a thing called over filtration.... the more the better.

 

[jm1212]

with a HOB, no. they allow for enough gas exchange.

 

[Rbishop]

I find that with canisters, a little extra air seems to make the fish I keep appear more active. Some people don't like the sound/looks, but I prefer to make the judgement based on the fish response vice personal tastes.

 

[Flying_Diamond]

Sorry to hijack this thread, but what does HOB filter mean?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

hang on back filter.

 

[PPOHolbrook]

Answer is no!

If you have an HOB you are geeting enough oxygentaion to sustain your tank. PLus I hate the noise a pump makes. I read that everyones is soooooooo quite alot, but i had one and man that thing sounded like it was going to take off.

Brian

 

[skillful abbot]

Do you need an air pump/stone without a hang on back filter? Will plants alone provide enough oxygen?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

my fish are still alive so i am taking that as a yes. there are some fish that need more oxygen then most fish. one reason i said most tanks dont need it. some do.