Aeration

Aeration is an important area of complex gas exchange activities between aquarium water and the atmosphere. Gasses as nitrogen N, CO2 and oxygen O can move from water to atmosphere and back depending on concentration. In fish only aquariums such gas exchange is life or death necessity. Oxygen must be supplied to the water column for the fish and CO2 expelled. In fully planted aquariums the situation may not be the same as in the fish only aquariums. Healthy plants produce oxygen for fish and may create a state of balance. Such a balance sounds great but at night plants don’t produce oxygen for the fish so aeration is once more necessary. It doesn’t have to be much, only a small amount of air running to air stone does the trick. Even without fish any small aeration improves the overall health of any planted aquarium. This process can be done with any surface movement by HOB (hang on back) filter, canister filter outlet, power head or a simple air stone.

FAQ

Can I use aeration with CO2 injection?

Yes, there is very little CO2 loss when aeration is low.

Can I turn aeration off during photoperiod?

Yes, if you have enough active plants to support the fish needs. But it is not necessary.

What if I have too much water surface movement?

Then you lose too much of CO2. In such case test for CO2 level and adjust CO2 injection accordingly.

Can my fish die without aeration?

Yes. First they swim on top and start inhaling atmospheric air then going into shock.