Saltwater & Freshwater Fish Tanks - Aquariums

Using Aquarium Air Pumps

August 23rd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

When setting up your home aquarium, it is important that you properly set up the aquarium air pump. Without an air pump, the fish won’t be able to breathe and will die fairly quickly. Here are some of the essential things you must know about setting up an aquarium air pump.

Do Need An Aquarium Air Pump

Almost all aquariums will need an aquarium air pump. In most cases, the air pump pumps air through the tubes, into the water and through the filter. They provide the needed oxygen that most tropical, saltwater and freshwater fish need for survival. There are different types of air pumps. The type of aquarium you have and the number of fish you have in your tank will determine what type of aquarium air pump you should purchase.

Air Stones And Bubble Wands

One of the easiest and most common aquarium air pumps are air stones and the bubble wands. These are ideal for smaller aquariums and tanks. With this system, one end is attached to tubing and air circulates through the tubing and into the water through the stone. This type of air pump circulates air while creating bubbles in the water.

Under Gravel Aquarium Air Pumps

The under gravel aquarium air pumps are those systems that are place under the gravel in the bottom of the tank. The air is pumped through tube and then up through the underwater gravel. This type air pump is greater suited for larger aquariums or tanks. The under gravel air pump is nice because it is easy to stow inside of the aquarium and it gives it a more natural look.

How To Use An Aquarium Air Pump

The use of an aquarium air pump is really easy. You purely follow the instructions that come with your air pump. Basically, you take out the air pump from the box, put it into the aquarium and start it. If the air pump attached to a filter, then you have to clean it recurringly, because it gets very dirty. Make sure you read the directions compactly when you have a new air pump. That is greatest way to learn to use it properly. If you have any product specific questions, most air pumps have a toll free number on their box that you can call, or you can purely ask your questions to the local pet store employee.