Air Pump + Betta

I recently purchased an air pump and it makes a lot of bubbles and creates a current in the tank that stresses out my betta. I keep a glass orb as a baffle near filter outlet, but the current from the air pump pushes it away and that makes the current worse. So, I plan on keeping it off. I know betta are labyrinth fish so air pump should not be necessary. I have plants but no other fish. Is there any benefit to me ever turning the pump on? Should I return this product? It isn't even "super quiet" like it claims.

 

Completely unnecessary with a betta, the only reason you'd even want surface disturbance with a betta is to prevent film from forming. Your betta will appreciate less flow.

 

Thank you, I will go ahead and remove it.

 

I recently purchased an air pump and it makes a lot of bubbles and creates a current in the tank that stresses out my betta. I keep a glass orb as a baffle near filter outlet, but the current from the air pump pushes it away and that makes the current worse. So, I plan on keeping it off. I know betta are labyrinth fish so air pump should not be necessary. I have plants but no other fish. Is there any benefit to me ever turning the pump on? Should I return this product? It isn't even "super quiet" like it claims.

if you have a filter then it isn't necessary to have a air pump. air pump just adds more oxygen and flow bt bettas normally don't like strong flows

 

You can also add a gang valve to slow the airflow down. I have them on all my sponge filters. It will allow you to turn it down to a trickle. An airstone isn't necessary, but it does add some visual interest to the tank.

No airpump is silent. The quietest one I have found is the Aqua Culture air pump at Walmart. Only the 10 gallon one though. All the others are obnoxiously loud.

 

I use a sponge filter on a tetra whisper pump, I put a loose knot in tubing to slow flow even further. Love it.

 

Thank you for the ideas on how to slow the flow!

 

My sister's 5.5g betta tank has a bubbler as well as a filter because the filter wasn't providing enough agitation and made an oily film. Only use it if there isn't enough agitation or if you've used a medication that coats the surface.

 

You never want stagnant water with any fish. People underestimate a bettas ability to swim. Their big fins make it hard to swim, but every one I've ever had loves playing in a light flow. Obviously you don't want them in a high flow hillstream type tank, but normal flow should not be a problem. I find sponge filters with a strong air pump best for bettas. You can get really strong filtration with the only real flow being up directly in the bubbles.