An air pump is a kind of aquarium device that is generally used to introduce air and most importantly, oxygen into the tank water through pressure. Oxygen is one of the most important components that will keep living organisms within the enclosed tank alive. Air is moved and introduced into the water through a pump run by an electromagnet that vibrates a rubber diaphragm.
Over time, this device has also evolved into other uses as well. These gadgets are now used for aesthetic purposes - moving wheels, lifting miniature treasure chests and making the entire aquarium set-up look more attractive. They can also be used to create a fine mist of air at the back of the tank.
For its utility functions, air pumps can also be used to drive various kinds of water filters such as the gravel and the corner filters. They can also help create water movement to distribute oxygen and other essential nutrients equally into the water for fishes that are swimming in the mid water column and for the plants that are attached to the substrate.
So are air pumps a real necessity of aquarium owners? It really depends on what you intend to use it for. For instance, if your filter is run by an air pump, then you definitely need to have them around to keep that pump operating. However, if you plan to use them only for aesthetic purposes, then you can easily forgo buying an air pump if you do not want the added expense.
What every aquarium owner need to know is that air pumps are not the only kind of device that can introduce oxygen into the water nor are they capable of directly adding in the gas into the liquid medium. Air pumps can only produce water movement - improving water circulation and thus, exposing more of the water's surface to the air. The movement of the water can distribute newly oxygenated water from the surface to the bottom of the tank. So if you have a good water filter that can also create that same water movement, then there is no need for you to purchase an additional air pump at all.
However, if you do wish to buy the equipment for whatever purpose, it is very important that you choose the right model for your tanks. For smaller aquariums, you can get the standard air pump sizes which should be able to thoroughly circulate water of that volume. However, for larger aquariums, invest in larger air pumps that are strong enough to create adequate water movement.
If you have a deeper fish tank or aquarium, there are air pumps that are especially designed to serve this kind of setup. These air pumps have extremely strong engines that can push water up to the deepest parts of the tank to keep every inch of water well oxygenated.
And last but definitely not the least, always pick an air pump design that is stronger or bigger than the model that you initially need. This way, when you do decide to get a bigger tank, you can still utilize the same equipment for this new set-up.
2 Responses
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Gary Locke Says:
How much are air pumps exactly? From reading your article it seems an air pump is a necessity for my tank. Thank you for this post.
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Gloria Gangi Says:
A good air pump can cost any where up to $50 plus but I have seen them on Ebay for as little as $17.00 as well. Do some research before buying