There are many reasons why oxygen levels in aquarium water are reduced. If you don’t have a way to measure it, the best thing you can do is install an aerator or air pump.
An air pump or aerator is used to ensure that there is no barrier in the aquarium that blocks the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Basically, it provides oxygen to the aquarium water. If you have a lot of fish or plants in your aquarium, this can lead to an excessive amount of CO2 that could endanger the lives of your pets.
What air pumps or aerators do is release bubbles at the bottom of the fish tank, either by using a diffuser stone, installing it under the substrate or using decorative elements such as volcanoes, geysers, chests, etc. In addition, when these bubbles reach the surface, they cause a slight agitation that favors the exchange of gases between the water and the air.
Naturally, all living things need oxygen, and so do fish. Plants consume oxygen at night, but there are also other processes under water that consume dissolved oxygen. This is due to bacteria, which use oxygen to transform nitrogenous remains into less toxic substances, which means that any decomposing element, whether it is food, fecal matter, dead or detached leaves, causes a greater consumption of oxygen in the aquarium.
Although plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, this only happens during the day when there is light. This makes it difficult to get aquarium plants to produce enough oxygen for all the fish in the aquarium.
There are many aspects to consider that can dangerously reduce the oxygen in our aquarium, such as the characteristics of the water, the temperature or its salt. This is why unless you have a way to measure the dissolved oxygen in the water, it is better to install an aerator in your fish tank.
Reasons to install an air pump or aerator
1. Increases oxygen levels: Prevents suffocation when there are too many fish or when the aquarium filter is not working properly.
2. Helps medicated fish: Some medications can reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the water, which can cause hypoxia, so the aerator helps sick fish survive.
3. Decorative aspect: As long as it does not stress your pets, it can serve to give a decorative touch to the aquarium.
4. Compensate for oxygen loss at high temperatures: You can use an aerator during very hot periods when the temperature rises above 28 degrees and makes it difficult for the fish to breathe .
What do you need to install an aerator in your aquarium?
The most important thing is to choose an aerator that is suitable for the capacity of your aquarium. If it is very long, it is best to install two small air pumps on each side of the aquarium instead of one large one. A deep tank requires a stronger air pump. However, remember that if you choose a very powerful one, it may stress the fish and affect their behavior.
The materials required for installation are as follows:
1. Aerator/Compressor.
2. 4 to 6mm pipe or macaroni.
3. Non-return suction cup.
4. Diffuser stones or animated decoration.
How to safely install your aerator system?
1. Choosing the right model.
2. We cut a 20-centimeter section of pipe and connect it to the aerator; on the opposite side, we will connect the non-return valve.
3. We connect the rest of the pipe to the opposite end of the non-return valve and measure how much pipe we will need before cutting.
4. The aerator/compressor is placed outside the aquarium. Never inside.
5. At the end of the connected pipe we will place the diffuser stone or animated decoration, which should be as low as possible to take full advantage of the air injection.
6. For safety, the system is turned off to ensure that water does not return to the device or leak.
Things to consider Where to place the aerator?
The aerator is plugged into the mains and must always be outside the aquarium. It is never placed inside the aquarium like the filter or the heater. It is preferable that it is placed on top of the aquarium, and if it must be placed underneath, it is better that it is as close to the edge of the aquarium as possible, since the longer the tube distance the air has to travel to reach the diffuser, the more force it will lose, we will obtain less airflow and the life of the pump will also be shortened.
Should you always be connected?
Just as it is not necessary to have an aerator, it is not necessary to have it always connected, unless you also want to use it as a decorative element due to the curtain of bubbles it creates. Although experts recommend having an aerator, it is especially necessary on two occasions: In summer, when the temperature is above 28 degrees, and when you have sick fish in your aquarium so that they do not run out of air.