Getting around bubbles in the tank

[Nate Dogg]

maybe put a air stone in your filter if you have a HOB

 

[plecostic]

I use two hydro sponge filters (without the sponges) as bubblers, on each end of the tank. With the sponges it produces less bubbles, either way, the bubbles are pleasant on the eyes and the fish love them too. I don't think it takes anything from the beauty of the tank, in fact, I think it adds more beauty.

 

[MyGiants]

I don't have any problems seeing air bubbles in the water. I don't like airline hoses sticking down in the water using a stone or wand. That looks tacky to me. I inject my air bubbles with my powerheads.

 

[boldtogether]

I agree, I don't use air pumps at all, they look stupid in my opinion and I don't think they're necessary. I use circulation pumps aimed upwards diagonally at the surface of the water to make a rippling effect across the water. I have a 75 gallon overstocked mbuna tank and I've never had any problems with lack of oxygen.

I would say that someone using air to either filter a tank or aerate shouldnt be considered stupid....air driven equipment, i.e., protein skimmers, sponge filters etc. are valid and efficient means of filtration given the proper application. Aeration via airstone is not an efficient means of oxygenating the water, but not everyone uses airstones for aeration....some just like the bubbles. Lighten up with the harshness a little bit, and tell the truth...we all, at some point, have liked bubbles...c'mon, only a super stuffy snob wouldnt like a little bubbles now and then.
Anyway, air driven aquarium decor aside, we should be a little more mindful of who could be just starting the hobby or has been successful in the hobby(using air driven filtration) for years, maybe a 5w air pump through a sponge filter in a 10g is all thats needed...

 

[drb]

yeah what he said

 

[3dees]

you can use powerheads or if you have cannister filters with spray bars just point them accross the top. anything that breaks the surface will do the job.

 

[Addikted2Cichlids]

Yup, as long as your breaking the surface your good to go..

 

[AirborneAquatic]

A power head is kind of what I figured. My HOB filters create a decent amount of flow, but a power head may come in the near future.

 

[jantilla]

After all this talk I feel like I need to remove my air stones. I do have two wet/dry filters so the water on the surface is moving like a raging river. I think the fish enjoy the bubbles though.

 

[Ambervikings91]

i used to feel that way but then i started doing cool things with the air and i think it added to my tank, like putting the air under rocks and making it kinda work its way up to the top