I was just wondering I have 2 stones in my tank pumping air slow one in each corner. Is there any reason to have them? I seem to have a reasonable agitation on the surface from my spray bar. I have read that you should not have them while the lights are on because it will just disperse the co2 but have them when lights are off because the plants and fish will all be fighting for oxygen? Any replies appreciated
Unless you are doing with co2, it doesn't matter if you have them or not. If you are using co2, then I would only use them at night. An keep them on a timer to start about an hour after lights go off. In a natural tank with no co2 added, I've had mine on all day, night and alternated and it showed no difference in plant health.
If you have good water movement from the filter or power heads then you do not need more water movement from an air pump.
Good idea for night time use if you are running high CO2, though.
It doesn't really change CO2 levels if you keep the air pump running during the photoperiod. Surface agitation works far more efficiently to outgas excess CO2 than the air stone. An air stone will make the plants pearl sooner since the water is more saturated with O2.
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