air bubbler in the tank neccasary for oxygen??

[filterhead]

a little extra oxygen wont hurt. justdont overdue it to mush is not good either

 

[thaos95]

I don't like the bubbles so I use a power head instead.

 

[Larz]

Oxygen exchange takes place at the water surface. Keep the surface agitated and you'll have adequate oxygen levels.

 

[Deep Blue Sea]

I asked a guy at my lfs the same question he said it was good for the fish but you dont need one and the fish will just about as well without it

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

i use one with some of my fish. not all. it does help some

 

[franlovera]

Also, a hang on back filter (or cascade filter) does provide surface movement and gives oxygen to the tank

 

[Sab_Fan]

it can also depend on a few add'l factors

* bio-load, i.e., how many fish
* type of fish; some fish have higher dissolved-oxygen requirements than others
* planted tanks; plants absorb CO2 when the lights are on (good thing) but release CO2 when they are off (bad thing) . . . so, in my planted tanks I run the air-stones at night only

 

[H]-[H]

What is the effect of too much surface agitation? I've 2 air stones, 2 powerheads & two overhead filter.. all contribute to the surface agitation..

 

[boldtogether]

Air through an air stone is doing more than creating a "tacky" column of bubbles. Every bubble that eventually breaks the surface has accomplished two things. 1) The rising bubble has brought with it to the surface, water that is oxygen depleted. 2) The breaking of the bubble at the surface is actually "stretching" the surface of the water creating more surface area for better gas exchange. You didnt ask for opinions on aestetics and as tempted as I am to give it to you, I would never be so "tacky" to give it to you unsolicited.The benefits of rising bubbles in the water column actually have scientifically proven benefits in treating water, otherwise, the practice wouldnt be used. Example; large scale waste water treatment.