importance of an air pump...

[jngldnb001]

inspired by my other topic...

if you're using an eclipse system do you still need an air pump? the eclipse has a filter and biowheel, the biowheel spits the water back into the tank. doesn't that agitate the surface enough without bubbles?

i'm just tryin to figure out what went wrong with my tank

 

[is300zx]

I have one and don't use an air pump.

 

[budrecki]

Unless your temp is elevated for disease treatment, there by lowering o2, you don't need an air pump. Bubbles are for decoration and fish entertainment.

 

[walaboom]

I think it depends on the amount of fish you have in the tank.

 

[RTR]

If you have so many fish that they are using up all the O2, then your tank is overstocked and should be thinned out.

 

[Rbishop]

Okay, why wouldn't you say the air bubbles increase the effective surface area between air and water, making the footprint larger? Just wondering.

 

[Pufferpoison]

air bubbles are nice to look at.

Having a good filter like an emperor or AC would create plenty of surface aggitation, for most tanks.

 

[Rbishop]

I have to admit, I am one that cares for the look, and the sound generated doesn't bother me. From my viewing of posts on here, it seems, repeat, seems, most people are adverse to them and recommend they are not needed, or basically drive it to the point that they are detrimental.

Is it more from a live plant tank that this is being looked at or a current issue for some fish?

 

[joephys]

I haven't ever gotten the impression that they are detrimental, but most poeple around here prefer to not have them. I think its a psycological thing. Most of the regulars on there are really into keeping fish, and they want their aquariums to look very natural; live plants, drift wood, natural gravel, no artificial bubbles etc... Most people that have fish for simply asthetics don't want the extra work that goes along with keeping a planted natural looking tank, and those people typically like bubbles. Nothing wrong with bubbles, its mostly just personal taste.

 

[carpguy]

From my viewing of posts on here, it seems, repeat, seems, most people are adverse to them and recommend they are not needed, or basically drive it to the point that they are detrimental.

I've got nothing against air pumps and bubble walls.

If someone asks how important they are I'd tend to answer that they're not: you don't need them. I get along very well without, lots of people do.

But if you like them and want them, please by all means feel free.