Air pumps do not oxygenate water
Air pumps or bubblers as many call them do not oxygenate water. Pushing air bubbles through the water to the surface, they pop, releasing back into the air. Nothing is wrong with having an air pump in your aquarium, as long as you don’t depend on it to oxygenate water. Some fish are attracted to the bubbles, and nibble at them, however, this can cause issues
It just seems to make sense to people that bubblers oxygenate the water, however, in order for water to be oxygenated, it must be free of carbon dioxide (Co2) a gas created from waste. Waste is something goldfish create a lot of. The water must have a healthy carbonate mineral level and the surface must be exposed to fresh air. Last but not least; the water must be moving with the right kind of action. An air pump, no matter how big it is, can accomplish none of these feats
People argue, saying they have a large bubble wand. Whether you have one small bubbler or one giant one, it still won’t oxygenate the water. It does nothing except create bubbles, however, some people really love the sound and the looks
Bubble wand fish aquarium
Go ahead and keep that bubbler, but at the same time, don’t depend on it to oxygenate water, no matter how small a body of water. Even a small quarantine tank or you will think the fish was sick when you brought it home, because it will get sick in a poor set up
Air pumps
Air pumps should be used to fill tires; not to oxygenate our fish house water
The air stone in the photo below is connected to an air hose; the pressure of the air being forced through the stone creates a stream of tiny bubbles that rise to the surface
If you would like to know more about oxygenating water, read the 10 Steps to Goldfish and Koi Care
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Author: Brenda Rand