To airate or not to airate

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number17Fan

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 6, 2006
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Rhode Island
I broke my air pump in my move from Connecticut to Rhode Island last month and I never got around to replacing it.

I have been running my 55 gal mbuna tank since then without any air stones and I have noticed a few differences.

The tank is more quiet, obviously, and the normally jittery, chase happy mbuna just coast about like more elegant species.

Are the calmed down because they are oxygen deprived? Do air stones actually increase the air water interface or is it just for decor/circulartion?
 
I agree. I dont use air stones either but what i do is keep my water level a couple inches below the outflow of my filters so the water falls into the tank, this creates a waterfall effect and breaks surface and provides good oxygen content. Its a bit noisy compared to the other way but less plugs and elec use.
 
My vote is to airate. You said it yourself, they look more happy with the airstone. If only you live close, I have a bunch of air pumps I inherited from a guy getting out of the hobby. Anyways, you should be able to get them without reaching too far down your wallet. Activity is the key in a mbuna tank.
 
How many fish are in the 55, and what kind of filter are you running?
 
Still young. They still have plenty of time to grow. Aerate tank. They are demanding for oxygen.
 
Do you have your filter creating turbulence on the top of the water. That is how I get away from using air stones. But it does sound like your tank could use a little more aeration.
 
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