Do I need to keep my air pump on 24/7?

Hello, I have a 10 gallon with many plants (ludwigia, java moss, hornwort, handful of floaters, pearlweed, pelia moss, java fern, moss balls, and roots from bamboo and pothos).
My question is if I need to keep my air pump running 24/7. If there are times I can shut it off I would very much like to, so that I can save energy.

If I am correct, the air pump helps keep oxygen levels stable especially at night time when plants absorb oxygen and release CO2. So, I was wondering if I can shut it off once I turn on my lights during the day since the plants would instead produce oxygen.

Another point to consider is that my HOB’s waterfall flows down and throughout the sides horizontally at the top of my tank. It helps with gas exchange, but would it be enough on its own during the night/day?

if it matters, it is stocked with 10-20 shrimp, 1
Adult guppy, and a 1-2 month mystery snail.

 

Do I need to keep my air pump on 24/7? The answer is no. An air pump can be a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to maintain an aquarium for your fish. It creates bubbles that adds oxygen, which means your fish will have a healthier environment. But keep in mind that the air pump doesn't work constantly because it needs a break every now and then.


In general, the air pump should run for six to eight hours. You won't have to replace the filter as often.

 

No you don't need to run your air pump all the time. You don't technically need to run it all. Your filter likely provides all the water movement you need.

With that said, an air pump for a 10g aquarium is using very little energy. Probably less than 5 watts of power. For comparison, your heater is most likely consuming 50 watts of power just by itself.

Where I'm from electricity rates run a bit less than 12 cents per kilowatt hour. Using that rate, a 5w air pump running 24/7 would cost about $5 per year to run. The savings between running it only at night vs all the time would only be $2.50 per year.

In my experience, air pumps don't need breaks.

 

Not that you are looking to spend money but if worried about energy consumption with the air pump try a USB air pump. Very low energy draw, 1 watt an hour, and quiet.
That said I agree with others that a heater and lights are using more energy than the air pump.
You could always experiment with it. It’s just having to remember to turn it off and back on.

 

If you do decide to run it on/off you may want to consider putting it on a timer. This makes it easier and eliminates the chance of forgetting to turn it on.

 

If you do decide to run it on/off you may want to consider putting it on a timer. This makes it easier and eliminates the chance of forgetting to turn it on.

But keep in mind, that the energy savings will probably take at least 6 years to pay for that timer.

 

But keep in mind, that the energy savings will probably take at least 6 years to pay for that timer.

True! But if you're like me you already have a few timers lying around. But I'd just leave the pump on all the time.

 

In general, the air pump should run for six to eight hours. You won't have to replace the filter as often.

What filter?

 

Typically waterfalls do a great job of bringing oxygen into the water and keeping it churned. In a 10 gallon with all those plants, I doubt you need to pump air into it at all. Just my $.02

 

But keep in mind that the air pump doesn't work constantly because it needs a break every now and then.

I am not sure where you read this but I do have to disagree with it. I set an air pump up, plug it in and don't turn it off for years. If at some point its efficiency slows I check the bellows and replace as needed.

How long should I run my air pump?
In general, the air pump should run for six to eight hours. You won't have to replace the filter as often.

Again I'm not sure where you read this but it isn't at all accurate. I am not sure what filter you are referring to.

Hello, I have a 10 gallon with many plants (ludwigia, java moss, hornwort, handful of floaters, pearlweed, pelia moss, java fern, moss balls, and roots from bamboo and pothos).
My question is if I need to keep my air pump running 24/7. If there are times I can shut it off I would very much like to, so that I can save energy.

If I am correct, the air pump helps keep oxygen levels stable especially at night time when plants absorb oxygen and release CO2. So, I was wondering if I can shut it off once I turn on my lights during the day since the plants would instead produce oxygen.

Another point to consider is that my HOB’s waterfall flows down and throughout the sides horizontally at the top of my tank. It helps with gas exchange, but would it be enough on its own during the night/day?

if it matters, it is stocked with 10-20 shrimp, 1
Adult guppy, and a 1-2 month mystery snail.

I agree with all about how little electricity an air pump uses. When every little bit counts though an air pump isn't actually needed if you have other filtration. Your HOB filter should be producing all the water movement needed to keep the water oxygenated.

The only time it is totally necessary is if your only filtration is sponge filters. You wouldn't want to turn them off.