surface agitation?

[johnnylaw1984]

My question is, how much surface agitation do i need to properly aerate the water? I have a 75 gallon aquarium and the only surface agitation is from my magnum 350. I had two small power heads, but didnt do to much. Does the surface of the water need to be rocking, or just gentle sudden ripples hear and there? Any info would be great. thanks

john

 

[rallysman]

Sounds like what you have is ok. I have some tanks with only a HOB filter and they are all ok

 

[fishnutham]

I use a magnum primarly for this purpose because of their high flow how mines setup is with the out jet angled towards the surface this allows it to break the surface tension and also helps airate the water works better then a pump and stone.

 

[johno27]

I use one of those bubble wall air stones just because i like the way it looks. I would not worry unless a lot of your fish are hanging around near the top of the tank or are very sluggish

 

[8Mile]

I use a magnum primarly for this purpose because of their high flow how mines setup is with the out jet angled towards the surface this allows it to break the surface tension and also helps airate the water works better then a pump and stone.

same here, better than airstone.

 

[guppy]

The HOB should be sufficient or put one powerhead back in angled so that it slightly bells up the surface.

 

[Jason_S]

hey johnny (another hoosier ), like the others have said you're probably fine with the aeration you have. there are a few fish that come from very fast moving rivers in the wild that need lots and lots of extra aeration but I don't think that applies to any of the fish you keep. they should be fine with what you have for now. however as they start getting bigger and start outgrowing the tank, keep an eye on them and if they start gasping at the surface then you'll need to add more aeration like another powerhead or a big airstone.

 

[dl10]

A second filter, like an Aquaclear would be good insurance if the Magnum clogs up or fails.

 

[paltik]

hey johnny (another hoosier ), like the others have said you're probably fine with the aeration you have. there are a few fish that come from very fast moving rivers in the wild that need lots and lots of extra aeration but I don't think that applies to any of the fish you keep. they should be fine with what you have for now. however as they start getting bigger and start outgrowing the tank, keep an eye on them and if they start gasping at the surface then you'll need to add more aeration like another powerhead or a big airstone.

is it bad when the fish freqently gasp at the surface?? i should start worrying

 

[Jbol]

I have a Magnum 350 with biowheels, aquaclear and three powerheads 125 gal. No problems here.