Aeration

[thats tangy]

I have a 55g fo sw tank. I have a Fluval 304 and a Hagen 301 powerhead set up for circulation. The output for tha Fluval is just below the waterline and it circulates the top of the water. I just put the venturi on the powerhead to make bubbles to break up the surface. My question is, do I need to make bubbles for oxygen exchange on the surface or is the Fluval output enough. Because I really don't like the bubbles and it creates too much creep on the back of the tank.

 

[marty]

You do not need bubbles. It does exactly what you said, create salt creep. As long as you have the surface rippling, you are fine.

 

[tru conch]

there is no need for the aeration, as long as you have the ripples going on.

 

[sal t. nutz]

How much does it need to ripple the surface? I have a powerhead aimed up and it tears up the surface. Can I just make it very lightly ripple the surface?