wellmax Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I have noted at most Aquarium Shops their large display tanks don't have air stones running. My question is why?? Can you over oxygenate your tank?? Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 hi wellmax! The whole purpose of the air stone (apart from aesthetics) is to create water flow and movement. only about 2-3% of the bubbles allow for oxygen diffusion. The rest of the oxygen diffusion takes place at the surface of the water when there is (or is supposed to be) constant water movement. That is why some people leave a couple of inches of space from the top of their tank even thought they have a lid on top of the tank. (I personally just create a lot of water flow, and fill the tank all the way to the top). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 The movement on the top of the water helps to aid the exchange of gasses there.. Using an airstone helps to effectively increase the surface area and therefore exchange more gas. The same can be achieved by using whatever filter (or power head) you have in your tank disturbing the water surface, the heavier stocked the tank the more aeration is needed to help with the exchange of these gasses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 What it does is increase the surface area of the tank which allows for higher stocking rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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