namehater

ok, so im kinda torn. i cant decide if i need to run an air pump on my 55g. the tank is currently fishless, but i plan on stocking tiger barbs, cories, and a pair of kribensis. there are no live plants. my filter moves the water surface pretty well, its a JBJ Reaction Canister Filter EFU-35, rated at 250gph, im running it with the spray bar about 3" below the surface turned to face upward at about a 45 degree angle.

think my surface displacement is enough? id really like to dodge the air pump on this tank (im going for a gadget free look)

shadowavenger

Well, an air pump is always a good thing to have. You can't really have too much oxygen in the tank as the fish need it and the bacteria need it to process the nitrogen, and many people fine the bubbles to be attractive and appealing. Having a bubble rock under the gravel won't be noticed and the tube is usually clear. The pump itself can be hidden somewhere under the tank in the cabinet (if it has one) and won't be noticed.

What I do with my tank is have all the equipment (heater, filter pickup, themometer, air hose) all in the same corner and hide them behind a tall grassy looking plant. you may need to use two if the equipment is particularly big but hiding it usually does very well at making it look nice.

agabr123

honestly, i would get one anyways in case you ever need to medicate the tank or raise the temperature to treat for ICH. with higher temps and medication you need extra oxygen in the water, so it's good to have one on hand even if you don't have it set up all the time

namehater

i have a couple pumps laying around that i could use for emergency use if need be

i agree, generally i like the look of the bubble wands and what-not, but its just not fitting for the tank, its very natural looking. i even bought a canister filter and in-line heater to keep the tank as gadget free as possible

shadowavenger

You could possibly install the air stone in the filter canister to add extra oxygen to the tank while keeping the bubbles out of the actual tank.

agabr123

i think that it would be okay, but i would keep a very close eye on your fish to be sure. if you start to see any redness in their gills at all or gasping for air then first check your ammonia levels and if that's not it, i'd go ahead and add the air stone/bubble wand

namehater

alrighty, you answered my next question, what are the signs of low oxygen, thanks!

agabr123

you're welcome