Air Bubbles for oxygen??

[moy]

Do you really need air stones in your tank pumping out bubbles for fish's oxygen??
I've always had airstones shooting out bubbles for the fish's oxygen. But from what ive read on the forum, doesnt seem like you really need them.
I have a Prizim Protein Skimmer, a biological Filter, a Mechanical Filter and a powerhead.
So guys, can i get ride of the airstones or do i need them for water oxygenation??

 

[lcc]

I have been told that the airbubbles themselves do not add O2 to the water. What add the O2 to the water is the movment of the water and it breaking the surface. What air bubbles do depending on how much assist in circulating the water from the bottonm of the tank to the top. I run a 23 inch air wand that does help move the water. But I believe I get more O2 from the return on my wet dry breaking the surface on the water. So I guess the answer is yes and no , but do you really need them no it is a matter of choice in my opinion.

 

[moy]

What does it really mean to "BREAK THE SUREFACE"??
SO i can take the air stone??!!

 

[mr . salty]

Break the surface is to have ripples across the top of the water.This can be done with a powerhead pointed across the top of the tank.Or with the return from your filter. This is where most of the oxegen is added to your tank.That and a little from a skimmer.

 

[moy]

So since i have a powerhead, protem skimmer, biological and mechanical filters running (moving water around)... Does that mean i can get rid of my airstone??!

 

[lcc]

Yes, you can get rid of the airstone if you wish....You can adjust the size of the bubbles the airstone put out by the amount of crushed coral or sand etc. you put over the top of it. the more material on the airstone the bigger the bubbles. But if you do not like the airstone remove it.

 

[beth]

Unless the appearance of the airstone bubbles appeals to you, airstones are worthless, or next to it. Besides, using them contributes to salt creep. O2 enters the tank thru the air-water contact at the surface of the water. Same is true of ocean water. With good water movement at the surface, and keeping your water within adequate temperature range, you should generally not be concerned with 02 in the tank. Note, however, some species of fish require more o2 and water movement than others. And, certainly LR and corals require this to even live.

 

[cchung718]

I had air stones until a couple months ago and removed it when I heard that we don't need one on this forum. The fishes are doing fine and I think the tank looks better without it.

 

[moy]

Ok guys, one last comment, dont wanna sound hard headed, but just a little nervous since ive always had airstones!
As long as i have my power head, proteim skimmer and filter running that should enough to provide the O2 for my fishes, live rock and button pulps??

 

[broomer5]

Yes
If you are concerned, go grab ya another powerhead and use it for surface agitation only - point to towards the surface of the water and get that "rippling" effect.
You should be fine.
Airstones - personal opinion is they add bubbles to water only, and as mentioned above the salt creep is a pain. Some people like the look of small bubbles rising in the tank - personally I don't.
Brian

 

[moy]

Ok then! Airstone will be kissed good by! That means no more noisy pump!
Thanks guys; for all of your help!