cam

I have a small 2.5 gallon tank with a filter and some decorations.... I was wondering if an air pump is needed

vin

No, in a tank that size the filter should provide all of the aeration you should need.

Julienlore

When do you need an air pump? I'm just setting up a 20 Gallon tank. It's cycling at the moment. I have an Aquaclear 30 filter.

Thanks

Julien

jsalemi

Depends on the bio-load of the tank, and whether it'll be planted. At least one wouldn't hurt in a 20g, especially if you have a lot of fish.

I have two bubblers in my 10g (one air pump) and I have a penguin filter. Don't really need the bubblers, but they look nice, and my cories love playing in the bubbles.

bmxer193

There not needed but are good to have, i have 1 in my 10gal tank

fishyfam

My tank seems to need one. When I turn it off, the fish all stay at the tip and don't move around. When its on, they roam all around, they even swim through and play with the bubbles. I'll catch my swordtails lying on the bubbles like a massage.

neverendingninja

Well, your tank is well over three times over capacity, so that may be the reason an air pump is necessary.

I have one in my 55 gal, and I only turn it on occasionally to get some extra water flow and clean things up better.

Razloga

I have one in my 10gallon tank, and I have a 14" bubble stone (small pump but big stone, makes the bubbles a little erratic, its kinda cool...) and my fishes love playing in them... constantly swimming around them and everything...