Aeration of water in the aquarium is a necessary measure for maintaining the vital activity of fish and other pets living in the aquatic environment. Aeration facilitates the enrichment of water with oxygen, the lack of which leads to the death of all inhabitants of the home body.
Do you need aeration in the aquarium?
Beginners aquarists are wondering why the aeration of water in the aquarium is necessary. The answer to it is extremely simple, if you understand the essence of the process. The movement of water, and as a consequence of its enrichment with oxygen, is naturally provided by winds and underwater currents, the home aquarium is deprived of such privileges. But, its inhabitants, no less than their free brethren, need oxygen. And this is not the only task that aeration manages, in addition to its main purpose. Artificial eddies:
- mix the layers of water vertically and horizontally, and as a result equalize the temperature (especially this is true for aquariums in which water is heated);
- imitate natural conditions (necessary for many species of fish);
- increase the flow of soil;
- contribute to the normal functioning of soil bacteria, which are neutralizers of organic residues;
- destroy the bacterial film on the water surface.
Do you need aeration in the aquarium with plants?
Almost every home pond is inhabited by plants that produce oxygen. Indeed, plants produce oxygen, but at night they absorb it, about this nuance should not be forgotten. Therefore at night "earn" asphyxia risk all the inhabitants of the reservoir. Especially, additional aeration in the aquarium with plants is necessary in cases when:
- the last in the pond is small, but there are a lot of fish;
- in a small aquarium contains a large number of individuals;
- among the inhabitants there are fish, which for life it is necessary to recreate the conditions closest to the natural.
Aquarium without aeration
Whether aeration is necessary in the aquarium, the answer to this question is obvious, because fish, like all living things on our planet need oxygen. Therefore, the aeration of water in the aquarium must be carried out properly both during the day and at night. Oxygen can be enriched by planting vegetation and mechanically by installing special devices.
Is it possible to turn off the aeration in the aquarium?
Most of the devices that create airflow in the tanks are noisy, but you can not turn them off even at night. After all, vegetation, working for the benefit of the inhabitants of the reservoir during the day, with the onset of darkness turns into an active consumer of oxygen. As a result of the cessation of photosynthesis, oxygen consumption increases and soon fish and other hydrobionts begin to experience asphyxiation. In this regard, the answer to the question, what should be aeration in the aquarium, implies only one answer - a constant.
How does the water aeration in the aquarium?
Proper aeration of the aquarium - includes a set of measures. This is an abundance of vegetation, beneficially affecting the microclimate of the reservoir, and the use of aerating devices. The principle of operation of these devices is similar, creating air vortices and flows, they improve the absorption of oxygen from the adjacent layers of the atmosphere. The smaller and more intensive the bubbles produced by the device, the better the aeration of water in the aquarium. Tested and safe devices are:
- air compressors;
- specialized pump for aquarium aeration;
- purification filters with air pumping function;
- ground filters.
- clean the soil and water;
- regulate the temperature;
- if necessary change the chemical composition of water.
Methods of aeration of water in the aquarium
The aeration system in the aquarium is determined by the volume of the tank, the number of inhabitants, the temperature of the water and the environment. Optimum option for large and tall aquariums are considered to be powerful compressors capable of pumping water at depth. For small reservoirs, special filters suitable for the effective aeration of water in the aquarium. Both devices require uninterrupted power from the mains.
Aeration filter for aquarium
A closed reservoir with a high population density requires the artificial maintenance of biological equilibrium. This task is partially handled by water filtration. It is carried out by means of special devices that differ in the principle of cleaning. Conditionally, filters can be divided into mechanical, biological, internal and external .
Especially in small reservoirs, internal filters are in great demand that perform aeration of water in parallel. Devices are a complex consisting of a pump, filter material and a special tube. Pumps drive water through a sponge and suck in air from the tube. The latter in the diffuser mixes with water and enters the tank in the form of smallest bubbles. This is how the almost silent aeration of the aquarium is carried out, which is weakened as the filter gets dirty. Aeration of water in a round aquarium can also be carried out by means of this device.
Compressor for water aeration in the aquarium
The solution for those who are wondering how to make the aeration in the aquarium flawless. Compressors are in demand among experienced and novice aquarists. These devices provide uniform heat exchange between the layers and good aeration. Compressors are piston and membrane. The latter create a lot of noise, and their power is not enough to pump large volumes. Piston devices do not entice their value, but in terms of quality of work claims to them there.
Compressors are supplemented with hoses and sprayers, pressure adjustment by means of clamps or special valves is possible. Installing devices above the water level is a necessary measure to prevent water draining when the duct is accidentally turned off or disconnected. To eliminate noise, the device is placed in a noise-proof box or taken to another room (possibly with a powerful compressor equipped with a long hose that runs under the baseboard).
The assortment of modern compressors allows satisfying the requirements in relation to the number of reproduced decibels of the fastidious fans of exotic fish. Completely noiseless aeration of water in the aquarium is possible when using a piezoelectric device. A miniature compressor does not produce noise and can be installed anywhere.
Stone for aquarium aeration
Do not forget that aeration of the aquarium without electricity in the case of a compressor is not possible. Therefore, in houses where power outages are not uncommon, it is advisable to consider the option of enriching the reservoir with oxygen using an oxidizer. This is not a remarkable device, which gradually enriches the water with oxygen. The oxidizer consists of a bulb filled with stabilized hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst placed in it. The latter gradually decomposes peroxide, while liberating oxygen.
Tubes for aeration of aquarium
Important components of the compressor mechanism are tubes with air ducts. These products are subject to special requirements: they must be made of chlorovinil material or synthetic rubber, rubber of bright red color is allowed. Dangerous for aquatic life of a tube from a medical harness, a product of black or yellowish-red color, since these materials contain poisonous impurities. Aeration in the aquarium must be carried out continuously, so the tubes should not have bends that can interfere with the flow of air.
Nozzles for aquarium aeration
A separate topic for conversation is the choice of a nebulizer for the compressor. The devices are responsible for the safety of the inhabitants of the home pond, the quality of the aeration and the aesthetic appearance. The atomizer should not emit harmful substances, therefore it is better to use abrasive stones or sandstone for these purposes. Not badly recommended themselves wooden nozzles, ceramic and porous synthetic.
In addition to selecting the nozzle itself, it is important to consider its location. In aquariums with heating it is better to locate it near the heating element, this location will promote uniform heat exchange between all layers of water. Aeration of air in the aquarium will improve several times, and the inhabitants will have a chance to frolic, if several sprayers are installed in the pond.
Aeration of soil in the aquarium
Immediately with several important tasks can handle a ground filter installed in the tank. Devices for aeration of aquarium of this category: