10gallonmadness

Hello guys. Just one more question and I'll probably be set untill my cycles done. I have a 10 gallon with a HOB. The HOB produces a waterfall that agitates the surface. Once my cycle is done I also plan to add live plants. Do I need an airstone at this point, or is my HOB doing well enough on it's own?

aquarist48

Hello 10g In most cases using an air stone is optional. If you have sufficient movement at the top of the water then everything should be fine. Too, you have to take into consideration the amount of fish and the types of fish you have stocked.
I have a 26g with an Aqua Clear HOB and no air stone. Two Bloody Parrot juveniles and everything is fine. Also, keep an eye on your fish. If they tend to hang around the top breathing heavily then add one.
Have a good day today!
Ken

Deac

Hello!

I agree with Ken. An airstone can add to the overall appearance of the tank - adding some 'life' and movement, but it's not always necessary. There is a benefit if you're going for the planted tank option as I have done in one of my tanks, and you opt to inject home-made CO2, having an airstone will help you control the co2 levels. I measure my co2 levels daily - and if the readings are too high, I simply increase the air-flow.

10gallonmadness

Thanks for the input.