Air pump query

aquarimum · 12-17-2011, 03:18 AM

Hi I would like to get an air pump for my aquarium but Im confused. How powerful should it be for a 200 liter tank? Ive planted loads of plants so its more for a cosmetic purpose.

fishguy2727 · 12-17-2011, 10:11 AM

Are you adding carbon dioxide? If so then the air pump will drive it off.

If not then it is up to you. I prefer to have an air pump on any freshwater tank, planted or not. I have seen them save entire setups too many times when filters stop working for one reason or another.

aquarimum · 12-17-2011, 10:43 AM

Why would I add carbon dioxide? I just want it in my tank cause I like to see bubbles in the background. Also I think the fish quite like it cause I recently watched some at my LFS enjoying an aquarium jacuzzi. I guess it doesnt need to be too powerful but they vary so much in strength and price. Obviously I dont want to pay more than I have to! I just need to know what strength I should go for Ive no idea what 1500cc/min means for example. I hope to get the pump either tomorrow or Monday so I need to know soon

fishguy2727 · 12-17-2011, 11:41 AM

Many people need to add carbon dioxide to keep their tank balanced for optimal plant growth.

aquarimum · 12-17-2011, 11:48 AM

I didnt know that sorry. Im a newby in case you havent already guessed!
Thankyou

Hossack · 12-17-2011, 12:41 PM

From personal experience I don't think it really matters how powerful the pump is vs tank size. It would depend more on the length of the airstone. Bigger pumps drive more air to bigger airstones.

fishguy2727 · 12-17-2011, 01:43 PM

The same amount of air comes out whether it is a 1" air stone or 2'. What can cut down the amount of air coming out is the depth of the water. The back pressure that water causes can cut down on air a lot. The length of tubing can also cut down on the air that actually comes out in the aquarium, but this is only if you are running the air tubing a VERY long distance, like across your house.

aquarimum · 12-17-2011, 01:43 PM

Oh ok thanks...Ill get a pretty powerful one cause I just watched a video on youtube that says the deeper your tank the more power you need. I dont want to end up with not enough bubbles but I figure that if its too much I can turn it down. Ill ask the shop they are usually pretty knowledgeable but im worried they might try to sell me the most expensive lol.

fishguy2727 · 12-17-2011, 02:02 PM

The same amount of air comes out whether it is a 1" air stone or 2'. What can cut down the amount of air coming out is the depth of the water. The back pressure that water causes can cut down on air a lot. The length of tubing can also cut down on the air that actually comes out in the aquarium, but this is only if you are running the air tubing a VERY long distance, like across your house.

aquarimum · 12-17-2011, 03:18 PM

Weird that your post came up twice Fishguy! Thanks alot what you said made alot of sense in my very confused brain. Im going to check up online and find the best pump for the money I have. Lol my hobby is really starting to cost...though I bought my tank, pump and filter second hand everything else cost more than I thought.

fishguy2727 · 12-17-2011, 03:35 PM

I like the Azoo 9500. It is around $20 on drsfostersmith. Great pump, tons of air, quiet, and lasts year without having to touch it.

jbrown5217 · 12-17-2011, 04:24 PM

I had a query about airstones awhile back and I got some fantastic instructions on how to set one up. Airstones

A few slight differences you will need to take note of however. One you have roughly a 50 gallon tank (I think that is 200 liters or at least close to it). So you will need a more powerful airpump and you probably want a larger airstone as well. good luck to you.

ArtyG · 12-18-2011, 02:54 AM

Get an airstone and pump immediately. The important thing is the bubbles, while attractive, move the water so you will expose more surface water to air thus better oxygenating your fish. I don't know what your filter situation is but even if you buy the $7 air pump from Walmart you will still be OK.

aquarimum · 12-18-2011, 03:05 AM

Thanks everyone FishGuy not sure if you can buy that brand here but I will check it out. Jon a very useful link...now I know exactly what I need and how to install it. And Arthur oh how I wish we had Walmart here. Was in the States a few years ago and it was my favourite store. In the UK we have Asda which is part of the Walmart group but it is nowhere near as good. I live in Sweden so unfortunately for me I have limited choices of where to buy my fishy supplies.

ArtyG · 12-18-2011, 03:12 AM

BTW, your "loads of plants produce loads of CO2 24-7 and only produce O2 in the presence of sunlight. Your flourescent or LED .light is a pale comparison to our mother star. Again, aerate before you kill all your fish

aquarimum · 12-18-2011, 03:48 AM

I will Arthur thanks. Didnt know that about plants I thought they would help with the oxygen. Am going to get a pump asap...hopefully today if I can get my hubby to take me

My fish havent shown any sign of lack of oxygen...my inner pump does move the surface quite a bit so maybe that helps a bit. I was going to buy more plants but now Im having second thoughts. Have a good day.

jrman83 · 12-18-2011, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtyG

BTW, your "loads of plants produce loads of CO2 24-7 and only produce O2 in the presence of sunlight. Your flourescent or LED .light is a pale comparison to our mother star. Again, aerate before you kill all your fish

Plants do not respirate CO2 24/7. This only happens when the lights go out. During the lighting hours they intake CO2 and give off oxygen.

A bubbler in a tank is personal choice over everything else. Your filter will produce way more air in your tank than any bubbler system. As far as exchange with the outside air goes, you only need surface movement in a tank.

aquarimum · 12-18-2011, 10:19 AM

Thanks Ben...was worried my fish would suffocate there for a while. Im still going to get an air pump cause I like the effect but now I know my filter is doing a good job moving the surface I can sleep tonight ;)

12-17-2011, 03:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Air pump query Hi I would like to get an air pump for my aquarium but Im confused. How powerful should it be for a 200 liter tank? Ive planted loads of plants so its more for a cosmetic purpose. __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

12-17-2011, 10:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
fishguy2727 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 114 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Air pump query Are you adding carbon dioxide? If so then the air pump will drive it off. If not then it is up to you. I prefer to have an air pump on any freshwater tank, planted or not. I have seen them save entire setups too many times when filters stop working for one reason or another. __________________ Biologist-Professional Aquarium Care-Published Author (Aquarium Fish International Magazine) Stocking has NOTHING to do with tank volume, it is all about water changes.

12-17-2011, 10:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Air pump query Why would I add carbon dioxide? I just want it in my tank cause I like to see bubbles in the background. Also I think the fish quite like it cause I recently watched some at my LFS enjoying an aquarium jacuzzi. I guess it doesnt need to be too powerful but they vary so much in strength and price. Obviously I dont want to pay more than I have to! I just need to know what strength I should go for Ive no idea what 1500cc/min means for example. I hope to get the pump either tomorrow or Monday so I need to know soon __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish Last edited by aquarimum : 12-17-2011 at 11:24 AM.

12-17-2011, 11:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
fishguy2727 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 114 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Air pump query Many people need to add carbon dioxide to keep their tank balanced for optimal plant growth. __________________ Biologist-Professional Aquarium Care-Published Author (Aquarium Fish International Magazine) Stocking has NOTHING to do with tank volume, it is all about water changes.

12-17-2011, 11:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Air pump query I didnt know that sorry. Im a newby in case you havent already guessed! Thankyou __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

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12-17-2011, 12:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
Hossack Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 28 Name: Ryan Location: Ontario, Canada My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Air pump query From personal experience I don't think it really matters how powerful the pump is vs tank size. It would depend more on the length of the airstone. Bigger pumps drive more air to bigger airstones. __________________ 36 gallon - 6 Rummynose Tetras, 6 black khuli loaches 20 gallon - 4 peppered cories, 5 danios, 4 glowlight tetras 10 gallon - cherry shrimp, jungle val, Red Ludwigia, dirted

12-17-2011, 01:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
fishguy2727 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 114 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Air pump query The same amount of air comes out whether it is a 1" air stone or 2'. What can cut down the amount of air coming out is the depth of the water. The back pressure that water causes can cut down on air a lot. The length of tubing can also cut down on the air that actually comes out in the aquarium, but this is only if you are running the air tubing a VERY long distance, like across your house. __________________ Biologist-Professional Aquarium Care-Published Author (Aquarium Fish International Magazine) Stocking has NOTHING to do with tank volume, it is all about water changes.

12-17-2011, 01:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Air pump query Oh ok thanks...Ill get a pretty powerful one cause I just watched a video on youtube that says the deeper your tank the more power you need. I dont want to end up with not enough bubbles but I figure that if its too much I can turn it down. Ill ask the shop they are usually pretty knowledgeable but im worried they might try to sell me the most expensive lol. __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

12-17-2011, 02:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
fishguy2727 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 114 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Air pump query The same amount of air comes out whether it is a 1" air stone or 2'. What can cut down the amount of air coming out is the depth of the water. The back pressure that water causes can cut down on air a lot. The length of tubing can also cut down on the air that actually comes out in the aquarium, but this is only if you are running the air tubing a VERY long distance, like across your house. __________________ Biologist-Professional Aquarium Care-Published Author (Aquarium Fish International Magazine) Stocking has NOTHING to do with tank volume, it is all about water changes.

12-17-2011, 03:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Air pump query Weird that your post came up twice Fishguy! Thanks alot what you said made alot of sense in my very confused brain. Im going to check up online and find the best pump for the money I have. Lol my hobby is really starting to cost...though I bought my tank, pump and filter second hand everything else cost more than I thought. __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

12-17-2011, 03:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
fishguy2727 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 114 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Air pump query I like the Azoo 9500. It is around $20 on drsfostersmith. Great pump, tons of air, quiet, and lasts year without having to touch it. __________________ Biologist-Professional Aquarium Care-Published Author (Aquarium Fish International Magazine) Stocking has NOTHING to do with tank volume, it is all about water changes.

12-17-2011, 04:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
jbrown5217 No Title Needed jbrown5217's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 657 Name: Jon Location: Currently live in Nashua, NH for school, but home is in Wilbraham, MA My location Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 100 Times Said "Thanks" 38 Times Was Thanked 116 Times in 110 Posts	Re: Air pump query I had a query about airstones awhile back and I got some fantastic instructions on how to set one up. Airstones A few slight differences you will need to take note of however. One you have roughly a 50 gallon tank (I think that is 200 liters or at least close to it). So you will need a more powerful airpump and you probably want a larger airstone as well. good luck to you. __________________

12-18-2011, 02:54 AM	#13 (permalink)
ArtyG ArtyG's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 115 Name: Arthur Gentile Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 24 Times Said "Thanks" 61 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Air pump query Get an airstone and pump immediately. The important thing is the bubbles, while attractive, move the water so you will expose more surface water to air thus better oxygenating your fish. I don't know what your filter situation is but even if you buy the $7 air pump from Walmart you will still be OK.

12-18-2011, 03:05 AM	#14 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Air pump query Thanks everyone FishGuy not sure if you can buy that brand here but I will check it out. Jon a very useful link...now I know exactly what I need and how to install it. And Arthur oh how I wish we had Walmart here. Was in the States a few years ago and it was my favourite store. In the UK we have Asda which is part of the Walmart group but it is nowhere near as good. I live in Sweden so unfortunately for me I have limited choices of where to buy my fishy supplies. __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

12-18-2011, 03:12 AM	#15 (permalink)
ArtyG ArtyG's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 115 Name: Arthur Gentile Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 24 Times Said "Thanks" 61 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Air pump query BTW, your "loads of plants produce loads of CO2 24-7 and only produce O2 in the presence of sunlight. Your flourescent or LED .light is a pale comparison to our mother star. Again, aerate before you kill all your fish

12-18-2011, 03:48 AM	#16 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Air pump query I will Arthur thanks. Didnt know that about plants I thought they would help with the oxygen. Am going to get a pump asap...hopefully today if I can get my hubby to take me My fish havent shown any sign of lack of oxygen...my inner pump does move the surface quite a bit so maybe that helps a bit. I was going to buy more plants but now Im having second thoughts. Have a good day. __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

12-18-2011, 10:19 AM	#18 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Air pump query Thanks Ben...was worried my fish would suffocate there for a while. Im still going to get an air pump cause I like the effect but now I know my filter is doing a good job moving the surface I can sleep tonight ;) __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

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