Too much of a good thing?

[Tanyoberu]

Can there be too much oxygen in a tank?
Normally my tank is circulated with water pumps pushing the water across the surface. But when I do water changes, I add the bubbles. Can there be negative effects to this method?

 

[Oddball]

You can't put too much O2 into your tank water by mechanical movement only. Water will only hold 3 to 4% O2 at 78F. You could boost it a bit by mechanical means but, it won't hit saturation levels by overuse of pumps and airstones. The only way to have too much O2 for fish would be by the use of oxygen generators and saturation cones (as is employed by hatcheries with heavy biomasses/bioloads per gallon).

 

[hmt321]

could you reach high saturation lvls with a heavily planted tank with co2 injection? Is that not what pearling is? the 02 lvl is so high that it can no longer be dissolved in the water and forms bubbles on the plants.

 

[fish head )'>]

You can't put too much O2 into your tank water by mechanical movement only. Water will only hold 3 to 4% O2 at 78F. You could boost it a bit by mechanical means but, it won't hit saturation levels by overuse of pumps and airstones. The only way to have too much O2 for fish would be by the use of oxygen generators and saturation cones (as is employed by hatcheries with heavy biomasses/bioloads per gallon).

ODDBALL, you are a mental giant. Your vast knowledge of things always amaises me. ...only if you could use it for the forces of goodness... or Jeopordy! Some day us geeks will rule the world! Thanks

 

[Tanyoberu]

The only way to have too much O2 for fish would be by the use of oxygen generators and saturation cones (as is employed by hatcheries with heavy biomasses/bioloads per gallon).

But there is a version of "too much O2 for fish" then? I'm wondering what are the effects of oversaturated oxygen in water. Also, are there O2 measuring devices? I don't think I have an issue of supplying too much oxygen, but I would sure like to provide the optimal amount.

In my brackish tank, I've learned to look at the rate of gill movement to tell me whether or not to increase the agitation rate or not. My eels apparently get enough oxygen to the point where they keep one gill closed and their "breathing" rate is almost unnoticable. And it is for this reason why I initially asked about the O2 saturation problem.