What is the purpose of an air pump in a fish tank?

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An air pump is a device that artificially pumps air into the water of an aquarium. This device fills several functions within the aquarium ecology including adding supplemental air to the tank, water agitation and facilitating filtration.

Additional Air

The first and most important function of an air pump in an aquarium setting is to add supplemental air to the water. This is important to the health of the fish, especially if the tank houses more fish than recommended. Additional oxygen helps the tank break down organic material such as fish waste and excess food.

Water Agitation

Water agitation is also important to creating a healthy environment for your fish. Water agitation creates additional surface area to facilitate gas exchange. Toxic gases build up in the water from the breakdown of organic material and from the respiration of the fish themselves. Water surface agitation allows these gases to be released from the environment.

Filtration

Also, water agitation helps gets the toxins in the water to the filtration devices so that they can be removed from the water. Without water movement, fish excrement, excess food and plant materials will build up in the bottom of the tank.

Types

Air pumps can either be run by direct current or by battery. Since it is recommended that air pumps run at all times, battery powered air pumps should be monitored for battery failure.

Considerations

When installing an air pump in your aquarium, ensure that you purchase one that will provide as much additional air to your system as possible. This will ensure that you reap all the benefits of your device.

Source:

Fishlore: Aquarium Air Pump

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What is the purpose of an air pump in a fish tank?

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