Do I Need an Aquarium Bubbler and Air Pump for My Fish Tank?

Photo by Vestman

Freshwater and saltwater aquariums require equipment that prevents the water from becoming stagnant and polluted. Water movement provides oxygen for the fish, keeping them healthy and disease free. The aquarium filter is necessary for all aquariums because it filters out fish waste and excess fish food. The filter also provides oxygen as it circulates water throughout your fish tank. Two other pieces of aquarium equipment that aerate and move aquarium water are the air pump and bubbler. Although the air pump and bubbler are not essential equipment for your aquarium, they do provide extra aeration and water circulation in the fish tank.

Air Pump

An air pump produces air that flows through plastic tubing into an aquarium bubbler, air stone or into a sponge filter. Sponge filters do not provide their own pumping action like an external, power filter, so it needs a pump to force air into the filter and push the tank water through the filter material. Air pumps also carry air to bubblers and air stones through plastic tubing. The air produces bubbles that add oxygen to the aquarium.

Bubblers and Air Stones

The aquarium bubbler is a long tube with tiny holes that connects to the plastic tubing, which comes from the air pump. They are also known as ‘bubble wands’ or bubble walls’. Bubbles from the wands rise to the surface of the aquarium water, taking toxic gases out of the tank. The bubbles provide additional oxygen to the water, helping fish to remain healthy and active. The bubbles also keep the water moving, keeping fish waste and food from settling on the tank bottom.

Air stones are porous stones that release bubbles from air forced through air pump. Aquarists use air stones, not only for added aeration but also as ornamental bubble stones in the aquarium. The bubbles look great as they rise to the surface and they reflect the colors and lights of the fish tank.

So, if you’re wondering whether you need an air pump and bubbler, keep in mind that any extra oxygen you can add to the fish tank helps keep your fish healthy and bubbles are also pleasing to the eye.