Is this much surface agitation ok?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Surface agitation/water flow will depend on your fish. They may be fine it may be to much. If flow is to high and fish are consistently being forced to expend energy to stay in one spot it may be to much. That's when you may or may not need an airstone.
 
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I wish it was easier to monitor dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, etc. and parameters in general. A real time, do-it-all probe that could tell you everything would alleviate any worry. I mean sure, it's not absolutely necessary, but it would be great.
 
I just observe the fish, which has worked fine for me for many years. When you pay attention over time you can get to know their typical breathing rates, which varies at rest in different types of fish. For example, what's normal breathing for most SAs is fast for Cyphotilapia.

Oxygen in water is partly a function of temperature and pressure, particular conditions have a specific potential for total oxygen volume. In other words, 100% saturation in a tank at 82 degrees water temperature would be less total oxygen volume than 100% in 70 degrees water temperature. Except under certain conditions of "super saturation", water at a specific temperature and pressure can only 'hold' a specific total volume of oxygen. Essentially, short of pressurizing your tank, the water in it holds only so much oxygen no matter how much turbulence or how many air bubbles you add to it-- in other words, "enough is enough" or "that's all there is, there ain't no more" in a standard fish tank at whatever temperature. :)

So, speaking for myself, I keep most fish off the higher end of their natural temperature range and feed moderately, as opposed to higher temperatures, high feed, trying to get them to grow faster.
 
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I wish it was easier to monitor dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, etc. and parameters in general. A real time, do-it-all probe that could tell you everything would alleviate any worry. I mean sure, it's not absolutely necessary, but it would be great.
They do make them! They just cost a pretty penny and are meant for saltwater but I have heard of people using theirs for fresh as well. They may not monitor everything you listed out of box, but I know they can do the common factors like ammonia, pH, nitrate, and their use can probably be expanded with add-ons or apps. There are a bunch of brands, I have heard Apex/triton systems are high rated.
 
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