The short answer is: it depends on the type of filter and the size of your tank. Some filters can provide enough oxygenation for your fish, while others may not. An air pump can help increase the oxygen levels and improve the water circulation in your aquarium. In this article, we will explain the benefits of using an air pump, the factors that affect the oxygen demand in your tank, and how to choose the right air pump for your needs.
An air pump is a device that pumps air into your aquarium through a tube and an air stone. The air stone creates bubbles that rise to the surface, creating surface agitation and oxygen exchange. An air pump can also power other accessories, such as sponge filters, undergravel filters, or air-driven ornaments.
An air pump can provide several benefits for your aquarium, such as:
Increasing the oxygen levels in the water. Oxygen is essential for the health and well-being of your fish and other aquatic creatures. Low oxygen levels can cause stress, disease, and even death. An air pump can help prevent oxygen depletion, especially in warm water, densely stocked, or heavily planted tanks.
Improving the water circulation and filtration. An air pump can help move the water around your tank, preventing stagnant areas and dead spots. This can improve the water quality and prevent the accumulation of waste and toxins. An air pump can also enhance the performance of some filters, such as sponge filters or undergravel filters, by creating a suction that draws the water through the filter media.
Adding aesthetic appeal and sound. An air pump can create a lively and natural look for your aquarium, with bubbles and surface movement. An air pump can also produce a soothing and relaxing sound of bubbling water, which some people may enjoy.
Do I Need an Air Pump if I Have a Filter?
The answer to this question depends on the type of filter you have and the size of your tank. Some filters can provide enough oxygenation for your fish, while others may not. Here are some common types of filters and their oxygenation capabilities:
Hang-on-back (HOB) filters. These filters hang on the back of your tank and draw water from the surface. They create a waterfall effect that agitates the surface and increases the oxygen exchange. HOB filters can usually provide sufficient oxygenation for most tanks, unless they are very large, overstocked, or have a low water level.
Canister filters. These filters sit outside your tank and pump water through a series of filter media. They return the water to the tank through a spray bar or a nozzle. Canister filters can create some surface agitation, depending on the position and direction of the output. However, they may not provide enough oxygenation for large, overstocked, or heavily planted tanks, especially if the output is submerged or pointed downwards.
Sponge filters. These filters use an air pump to draw water through a sponge. They create bubbles and surface agitation that increase the oxygen exchange. Sponge filters can provide adequate oxygenation for small to medium tanks, but they may not be enough for large or heavily stocked tanks.
Undergravel filters. These filters use an air pump to draw water through a gravel bed. They create bubbles and surface agitation that increase the oxygen exchange. Undergravel filters can provide sufficient oxygenation for most tanks, unless they are very large, overstocked, or have a thick layer of gravel.
Internal filters. These filters sit inside your tank and pump water through a filter media. They return the water to the tank through a nozzle or a venturi. Internal filters can create some surface agitation, depending on the position and direction of the output. However, they may not provide enough oxygenation for large, overstocked, or heavily planted tanks, especially if the output is submerged or pointed downwards.
As you can see, different types of filters have different oxygenation capabilities. The best way to determine if you need an air pump is to monitor the oxygen levels and the behavior of your fish. You can use an oxygen test kit or a dissolved oxygen meter to measure the oxygen levels in your tank. Ideally, you want to maintain an oxygen level of at least 6 ppm (parts per million) for most freshwater fish. You can also observe your fish for signs of low oxygen, such as gasping at the surface, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may need to add an air pump to your tank.
How to Choose the Right Air Pump?
If you decide to use an air pump for your aquarium, you need to choose the right one for your needs. There are many factors to consider when choosing an air pump, such as:
The size of your tank. You need to choose an air pump that can provide enough air flow for your tank size. The air flow is measured in liters per hour (LPH) or gallons per hour (GPH). You can use this formula to estimate the minimum air flow you need: LPH = tank volume (in liters) x 0.5. For example, if you have a 100-liter tank, you need an air pump that can provide at least 50 LPH of air flow.
The number and type of accessories. You need to choose an air pump that can power all the accessories you want to use, such as air stones, sponge filters, undergravel filters, or ornaments. Each accessory will reduce the air flow and pressure of the air pump, so you need to account for that when choosing an air pump. You can use this formula to estimate the total air flow you need: LPH = (tank volume x 0.5) + (number of accessories x 10). For example, if you have a 100-liter tank and two air stones, you need an air pump that can provide at least 70 LPH of air flow.
The depth of your tank. You need to choose an air pump that can overcome the water pressure at the depth of your tank. The deeper your tank, the more pressure the air pump has to overcome, and the less air flow it can provide. You can use this formula to estimate the pressure rating you need: PSI (pounds per square inch) = tank depth (in feet) x 0.43. For example, if your tank is 2 feet deep, you need an air pump that can provide at least 0.86 PSI of pressure.
The noise level. You need to choose an air pump that is quiet and does not disturb you or your fish. Some air pumps are louder than others, depending on the design and quality of the motor and the diaphragm. You can check the noise level of the air pump by reading the reviews or testing it in the store. You can also use some methods to reduce the noise of the air pump, such as placing it on a soft surface, suspending it with a string, or using a check valve or a silencer.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right air pump for your aquarium. You can also consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or the staff at your local pet store for more guidance.
Conclusion
An air pump can be a useful addition to your aquarium, as it can increase the oxygen levels, improve the water circulation and filtration, and add aesthetic appeal and sound. However, whether you need an air pump or not depends on the type of filter you have and the size of your tank. Some filters can provide enough oxygenation for your fish, while others may not. You can monitor the oxygen levels and the behavior of your fish to determine if you need an air pump. If you decide to use an air pump, you need to choose the right one for your needs, based on the size of your tank, the number and type of accessories, the depth of your tank, and the noise level. We hope this article has helped you answer the question: do I need an air pump if I have a filter?
