Airating the main tank?

[TRIK]

Hi my names Richard from the UK Worcester, im trying to find out info on the why you should or shouldnt use air stones in a marine/ reef tank, i remember reading some time ago the down side of bubbles in the main tank , most the uk BB sites are 50/50 split about this , i wondered if you guys could help me out, thanks.

regards

Richard

 

[virginiadiver69]

Hi Richard, Welcome to RC. I am new to this so take my advice as such. I have done a lot of studying before setting up my first tank and it is my understanding that a protein skimmer will add all the oxygen needed. The idea of bubblers in the display tank is frowned upon depending on the corals you may keep. I don't know of specifics but some corals do badly when air bubbles are present. This is why micro bubbles escaping from the refugium is not wanted. Hope this helps

 

[AquaReeferMan]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

You dont need any air stones. A lot of inhabitants that we care for will not like the excess bubbles. You will also end up with a lot of salt creep from the popping bubbles.

 

[shag26272]

dont use it, it will throw off your PH

 

[TRIK]

thanks guys but if you re read my post i do no all that, and i have a good link about it

http://www.oxyedge-chum.com/diffuser,_oxygen_bubbles.htm

as you can see iv been doing marine for 16 years, im just trying to sort out a problem with a newbe here in the uk and she aint having non of it, i just thought may be you guys/girls may have better info to hand.
Thanks again for your replys and wow what a sight you lot have here.

all the best Richard

 

[kfowler]

Hi Richard. Point her to www.reefvideos.com. There's a seminar on oxygen. About an hour long but very interesting. The studies show that skimmers and air stones add very little if any oxygen to the tank. A turbid water surface and good water circulation is king for keeping oxygen levels up.

 

[virginiadiver69]

Kevin, I tried the link you posted but it was not active. I am interested because I don't understand how a skimmer can NOT put a LOT of o2 in the water. I am new to this as stated but it just seems when you have in effect a water/o2 mixing chamber such as a skimmer you could not help but add o2 to the water. I am open to correction on this.

 

[customcolor]

besides a skimmer i would also use a good power head pointed twards the top of the tank to get good water movement on the serfice. that will help too. i read that bubbles floating in the tank will refect light away from the corals intead of to them.