FLGirl

Is an air pump necessary? I do not have one, I have a 20 gallon tank with filter but no air pump. Should I get one?

catfishlover123

An air pump is not neccesary for a tank. It will increase the aeration, but it is not neccesary for a tank.

FLGirl

Ok, I think I will hold off for now then maybe later down the line. THanks!

catfishlover123

You are welcome.

marklmr1960

I wish i had read this before today. i would have saved myself 13 pounds.
The filter i use Aerates the water i just thought you needed an air pump as well
especially when i am not happy with the noise level on this pump.

aquarist48

Good afternoon.

If you have sufficient surface water movement and you aren't over stocked, and your tank temperature is under 80 degrees, then one isn't really necessary. It's always good to have one on hand and to have a battery powered air supply too in case of power outages.

Ken

harris

An air pump is not neccesary for a tank.I have betta tank.It is not really necessary to have an air pump in a Betta tank because the fish have a special lung to reserve air called a labyrinth. You might need air pump to crculate the water and keep it fresh,and it will also distribute the temperature to all the tank.

Jrobber

While its not necessary, I agree with keeping one on hand. Two reasons:

1. It will help to aerate the water, allowing more oxygen into the water.

2. If you ever add any new fish that may be diseased or get a disease after adding them, you may need to raise the temperature above 80 like aquarist48 said. Warm temperatures means less oxygen.

Also, it can't hurt to add one. If anything, it will probably just help keep the tank a little more healthy. I set mine up for about $30 that included the air pump, bubble wand, tubing, valves and such.

midthought

Yes indeed, I was wondering why my cories weren't so active lately (but otherwise healthy; barbels intact, not breathing hard), and I realized that the warm water from my ICH treatment was probably lowering the O2 content for my poor bottom dwellers. I put in a bubbler tonight and they're already visibly much more active. Even my ram, who *likes* warm temps, is more spirited.

pinksprklmonkey

Isn't it the case that it can help keep them more comfortable? I also just like the look of the bubbles, but maybe that's just me.

midthought

I don't know about more comfortable exactly, but I think the increased aeration/oxygenation is helping them while the water temp is high. I like the look of bubbles too but the cheapo in me thinks, "What am I paying in electricity so that bubbles come out of there?"

striker

Actually your just paying a couple of pennies since air pumps waist very little electricity. Mine only eats 2 watts.

midthought

Yeah, mine is only 5...but it's also on the fritz and only works when it's tilted upside down, whacked a couple times, spoken to softly and then alternately yelled at...etc. It's like air pump voodoo. I need to buy a new one. And when it's acting a fool, it will actually be spinning/motoring but no air/bubbles come out. Now THAT is a waste of electricity.

FLGirl

midthought

I don't have any experience with air pumps other than the one I got second hand, but I'd suggest looking at the selection available with online retailers and reading the reviews there. Even Petco has a review system (see: http://www.petco.com/product/14931/T...h#BVRRWidgetID). When you find something you like, Google it just to be thorough. And you can also obviously always search Fishlore for reviews or mentions of the product.

Jrobber

I have a Tetra Whisper pump. It works great and is quiet. The bubble wand I have is kind of noisy and I may try an airstone soon. But the pump is great. I think thatpetplace.com has them the cheapest.

fisher98

not necessary, but would be recommended. Depending on the amount of fish your housing, It may be necessary.