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Post by mitzy247 on Apr 22, 2005 11:42:57 GMT -5
In a ten-gallon tank with few inhabitants (right now just one betta, planning on adding two betta-friendly fish after the cycle is complete), do you need an air pump?
I bought a ten-gallon "kit" that inlcuded a Bio-Wheel filter and bought a 50 W heater to go with it. I've had small tanks in the past with guppies that had air pumps, but this venture into the ten-gallon territory (brought on by pure betta love and research) has got me wondering. I have tried to find information about air pumps, but even the best beginner help pages fail to mention whether they are a necessity or not. Plus, the spot for the air pump in the cover is taken up by the heater.
Any help for a novice is greatly appreciated!
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Post by twoluvcats on Apr 22, 2005 11:48:13 GMT -5
Air pumps are a matter of personal preference, really. Personally, I like them...most of my tanks have a bubble wall. They oxengenate the water, and move gunk around so the filter *can* suck it up. Plus I think the bubbles are pretty. All my fish, including my bettas like to play in the bubbles. My snails LOVE to sit in the bubbles all day long, and then let go of the side of the tank and "surf" them. So if you want one, i would say go for it. [glow=red,2,300]Welcome to HealthyBetta![/glow]
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Post by mitzy247 on Apr 22, 2005 12:01:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick and helpful reply. I'm sitting her right now watching my Captain Jack Sparrow (he's a charmer and just plain colourful) enjoy the tank by himself. He loves to play in the current of the filter, although I've tried to keep that down with lots of plants and decoration because I know it's sometimes stressful for them. He, too, might enjoy some bubbles.
But if not, I suppose I'll be okay on oxygen levels because I'm planning on doing 10% water changes each week.
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Post by amanichen on Apr 22, 2005 12:10:05 GMT -5
But if not, I suppose I'll be okay on oxygen levels because I'm planning on doing 10% water changes each week. Two things to remember: 1. bettas dont' get all their oxygen from the water 2. 10% water changes each week won't do anything to boost the long-term oxygen level
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