A common question many aquarium owners have is whether or not their fish tank needs an air bubbler. Bubblers, also known as air stones, are small accessories that attach to air pumps and release bubbles into the aquarium water. But are they really necessary for a healthy aquarium environment? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the purpose of bubblers, when they should be used, different types of bubblers, how to set them up properly, and alternative options. With the right information, you’ll be able to decide if a bubbler is right for your fish tank.
What is the Purpose of a Bubbler in a Fish Tank?
The main purpose of an air bubbler in an aquarium is to increase surface agitation and water circulation. This serves several key functions:
- Adds oxygen – The bubbles help facilitate gas exchange, allowing more oxygen to dissolve into the water from the air. This is important as fish breathe oxygen dissolved in the water.
- Removes CO2 – Bubblers help rid the water of excess carbon dioxide that can build up from fish respiration and decompose waste.
- Improves circulation – The rising bubbles help move the water around, preventing stagnant areas and evenly distributing heat.
- Aids filtration – Added water movement helps draw debris into the filter to be removed.
- Discourages film buildup – Surface rippling discourages proteins and oils from accumulating on top of the water.
So in summary, bubblers oxygenate, degas, circulate, and agitate the water to maintain a healthy environment. But not all aquariums require them. Next we’ll look at when they are most important to use.
When Should a Bubbler Be Used in an Aquarium?
While bubblers provide benefits, they may not be necessary in all aquarium setups. Here are some situations where having an air bubbler is most helpful:
Heavily Stocked Aquariums
The more fish you have, the more oxygen they require and CO2 they produce. Bubblers are very useful in crowded tanks to meet this increased demand and prevent dangerous gases from accumulating. They also improve circulation which helps evenly disperse waste.
Aquariums with Low Surface Agitation
Tanks without hang-on-back filters or powerheads that create surface water movement will benefit more from the circulation and agitation of a bubbler.
Aquariums Housing Labrynth Fish
Fish like bettas and gouramis possess a special labrynth organ that allows them to breathe oxygen directly from the surface. Bubblers help renew the surface’s oxygen supply.
During Power Outages
Battery-powered air pumps with bubblers are handy emergency devices that can oxygenate tank water until power is restored.
Aquariums with Plants
Plants produce oxygen during the day but respire at night, raising carbon dioxide levels. Bubblers can help replenish oxygen at night in heavily planted tanks.
Cycling Aquariums and Hospital/Quarantine Tanks
Extra aeration is useful when establishing the nitrogen cycle in a new tank or treating sick fish in a separate hospital tank.
Small Tanks Under 10 Gallons
Gas exchange happens less efficiently in small volumes of water. Bubblers are recommended for nano tanks to prevent rapid chemical changes.
So in general, if your aquarium is well-filtered with decent surface agitation, a bubbler may not be required. But they provide beneficial insurance for many setups.
Types of Air Bubblers for Aquariums
There are a few different air bubbler styles to choose from for your aquarium:
Air Stone Bubblers
Air stones are porous stones made of natural materials or plastic containing many small holes. Air pumped through them produces tiny bubbles. They come in various shapes and sizes including discs, domes and cylinders.
Ceramic Plate Bubblers
These diffusers use a perforated ceramic plate or block mounted on a plastic base to break up airflow into fine bubbles.
Wooden Bubblers
Simple wooden air diffusers use porous blocks of drilled wood attached to air tubing to generate bubbles.
Plastic Bell Bubblers
Dome-shaped plastic bubblers have a wide open bottom that faces upwards to bubble air into the tank.
Bubble Walls/Wands
Long plastic wands or panels with multiple openings evenly distribute fine bubbles along their length.
Air stones and ceramic diffusers typically provide the finest, most concentrated bubbles. Larger bubbles may be desirable for more water movement. Pick the type that best suits your tank’s needs and visual preferences.
Bubbler Setup Guidelines and Tips
Installing an air bubbler properly is important to achieve good results. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Place the bubbler near the bottom of the tank. This allows the rising bubbles to better circulate water.
- Position away from intake tubes to prevent bubbles entering the filter.
- Angle the bubbler slightly upwards and use a check valve to prevent backflow.
- Secure firmly with suction cups and avoid burying in substrate.
- Attach airline tubing between pump and bubbler. Control flow with a valve.
- Use an air stone guard or sponge to prevent clogging with debris.
- Clean regularly by removing and rinsing in tank water during water changes.
- Match pump output to tank size. Do not over-bubble the water.
- Monitor fish behavior and adjust flow if stress is observed.
Positioning the bubbler strategically and cleaning it during maintenance is key to preventing flow issues and damage. Also be careful not to run the pump too vigorously for the tank size as over-bubbling can reduce oxygen saturation.
Alternative Options to Bubblers for Aquarium Aeration
While bubblers are effective for increasing dissolved oxygen and water movement, other options can also achieve similar results:
Powerheads and Wavemakers
Submersible water pumps provide targeted water flow and surface agitation without bubbles. They come in various sizes to match different tanks.
Hang-on-Back or Canister Filters
Filters pouring water back into the tank create surface ripples and circulation. Strategically positioning the return flow can enhance agitation.
Airlift Pipes
Airlift tubes use airline tubing inside vertical pipes to lift and shoot water back into the tank. They oxygenate while circulating.
Surface Skimmers
Floating surface skimmers drive water across the top mechanically sweeping away biofilm. This improves gas exchange.
Partial Water Changes
Regular water changes with properly conditioned new water helps replenish oxygen levels.
Live Aquarium Plants
Photosynthesizing plants produce oxygen during the day. They also use up carbon dioxide.
With some creativity, you can meet your tank’s aeration needs without bubblers in many cases. Correct filtration and circulation are usually most important.
FAQs About Bubblers in Fish Tanks
Do bubblers reduce the need for filtration?
No, bubblers do not replace the need for proper filtration. They mainly add oxygen and water movement but do not filter out solid wastes or convert toxic nitrogen compounds like filters do. You still need adequate mechanical, biological and chemical filtration for a healthy tank.
Should my bubbler run 24/7?
Most aquarists run their bubblers continuously 24 hours a day. The constant water circulation and oxygenation this provides is beneficial for fish. However, some choose to run bubblers only during the day and turn them off at night when oxygen demands are lower.
How many bubblers does my aquarium need?
The number of bubblers depends on factors like tank size, stocking level and current equipment. Heavily stocked tanks often benefit from using multiple air stones or bubble wands to aerate the entire water volume. Larger tanks may need more bubblers as well. Start with one and add more as needed for good circulation.
Can I have too much surface agitation in my aquarium?
Yes, it is possible to over-agitate the water’s surface. Excessive ripples can cause CO2 levels to drop too low during the day which plants need for photosynthesis. Slow the bubbler or other flow at night when oxygen demands are lower.
Should I turn off my bubbler when feeding fish?
It’s a good idea to turn off bubblers and other sources of surface agitation for 10-15 minutes when feeding fish. The calmer water allows food to sink slower and fish to see and eat it more easily before it’s whisked away.
Conclusion
While not essential in all aquarium setups, air bubblers provide meaningful benefits like added oxygenation, improved circulation, waste distribution and surface agitation. They are especially useful for crowded community tanks, labyrinth fish, planted aquariums, hospital tanks and nano aquariums.
With a proper understanding of their purpose and how to install them correctly, bubblers can be an invaluable tool for maintaining a healthy underwater environment. Use this guide to make an informed decision about if and when air stones may be appropriate for your fish tank.