Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops food
Sea almond leaf
Aquarium filter
Lighting
Substrate
Decoration
Heating
Cleaning
ThermometerGuide
When do you need an aquarium air pump?
If you own an aquarium or are thinking about setting one up, sooner or later you will stumble across the question: Do I need an air pump? These small devices with the typical humming sound and rising air bubbles can be found in many tanks – but not in all of them. Whether and when an air pump is useful or even necessary depends on several factors: the inhabitants, the set-up of your aquarium and, of course, what technology you are already using. In this blog article, I explain when you need an aquarium air pump.
When do you need an aquarium air pump?: Oxygen supply – the be-all and end-all
One of the main tasks of an air pump is to increase the oxygen content in the water. The pump releases air into the pool through an air stone. The small bubbles rise to the surface and take gases with them when they burst – mainly carbon dioxide – while fresh oxygen from the surrounding air enters the water. However, the real trick is not in the bubbles themselves, but in the stronger water movement on the surface. The better the surface is in motion, the more efficient the gas exchange between water and air is.
If your aquarium is heavily planted or you use a powerful filter with surface movement, the oxygen input is often sufficient. However, there are situations in which an additional air pump can be very helpful – or even necessary.
When do you need an aquarium air pump? When oxygen becomes scarce
Especially in densely populated aquariums, where many fish live in a confined space, oxygen can quickly become a scarce commodity – especially at night. Although plants produce oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, they consume it again at night. This means that when the lights switch off, the oxygen content often drops rapidly. An air pump then provides a balance and helps to avoid critical situations.
The oxygen content in the water also drops at very high temperatures, as warm water can store less oxygen than cold water. In summer, this can be a real stress test for your aquarium inhabitants. An air pump not only creates more oxygen in the water, but also provides a slight cooling effect due to the water movement – a welcome side effect.
Support with filtering
In aquariums with sponge filters or air-operated bottom filters, the air pump is even a central element of the entire technology. Here it is not only used for aeration, but also operates the filter itself by raising air bubbles. Such solutions are particularly popular in shrimp tanks or rearing aquariums because they filter very gently and do not generate any dangerous suction pressure.
Especially in small tanks without motorised filter technology, the air pump is a cheap and effective method of providing movement and filtration. A battery-operated air pump can also be worth its weight in gold in the event of a power cut – especially in heavily stocked aquariums.
If you use medication or water conditioners that reduce the oxygen content, additional aeration is often expressly recommended. Some agents can affect the fish’s metabolism, which is why they are much better tolerated in oxygen-rich water. An air pump can also help to restore the biological balance more quickly after a large water change – especially if the filter has been switched off for a short time.
Fish also have preferences
Last but not least, there are fish species that are naturally dependent on highly oxygen-rich waters. These include, for example, some species of barbel, rainbow fish or certain catfish. For such animals, additional aeration can be essential – not only for their health, but also for their well-being. So if you keep such species or are planning to acquire them, you should consider purchasing an air pump.
On the other hand, there are also many fish that prefer calm, barely moving waters – such as fighting fish or some labyrinth fish, which can even absorb atmospheric air via a special organ. In such aquariums, too much flow from an air pump can have a rather disruptive effect. The rule here is: less is sometimes more.
When do you need an aquarium air pump? – Conclusion
There is therefore no general answer as to whether an air pump is necessary in your aquarium. It is not an essential part of every aquarium, but it is an extremely useful tool – especially in situations where the oxygen content can become critical or if you are using certain filter techniques. Observe your fish, pay attention to their behaviour and how they breathe. If they spend an unusually large amount of time at the surface of the water or breathe frantically, this may be an indication of a lack of oxygen – and then an air pump can provide a quick remedy. It not only provides fresh air in the water, but also creates a lively, well-aerated home for your aquarium inhabitants.
