Air Stones

[jimday1982]

I know this will seem like an idiotic question to most of you, but being new to the freshwater hobby, I am lost on this. What in the world is an air stone, what is its purpose, and what is required to get one to work? I've tried researching it online, but have come up short. I'm going to be doing a 44g heavily planted tank and would like to know if this is something I need to implement. Thanks for your help.

 

[Cackett]

air stones. you can get may differant one Air stone walls little round ones loads of differant types. all it is, is a Stone witch you attach to the end of your Air Pump. witch produces A streem of bubbles in the walter.

http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/oltorf/729/id42.htm

not the best but the only opne i can find

 

[Cackett]

k i found this for you

http://www.petsmart.com/articles/article_142.shtml#airstones

 

[aznpanther98]

well air stone is basically a thing at the end of a an airline thats connected to an air pup and makes tiny lil bubbles like said above they come in different styles

 

[jimday1982]

Ok thanks...so looks like I need a powerhead, tubing, and air stone. But I'm still lost on is it a "must have" or a decorative thing?

 

[cholula]

I have 4 tanks, and not one air stone... for my hillstream loaches which require higher oxygen levels, i use powerheads pulling air... other than that... I get plenty of air in my water via the fiilters....
So bottomline... dont think airstones are needed unless you have a specific need for one.

cholula

 

[Cackett]

not sure if there needed nut im sure your local fish shop would have one set up in a tank i know mine dose. you could have a look at it i like them i have a Pump witch feeds 2 Sir lines. One in either corrner was hoping to incororate so Co2 but not looking like i can / will. but never mind.

so no most filter also at the air into the tank anyay. (as said above)

 

[SoulFish]

you dont use airstones with powerheads, use an air pump or if its just for oxygen use just a powerhead close to the top of the tnak to make surface move

 

[luvfishies]

Actually, airstones are NOT recommended for planted tanks, as the surface agititation they cause when the bubbles burst at the surface cause CO2 to gas out. CO2 is needed by the plants, and the plants and filter will give more than enough O2 for the fish. Don't waste your money if you're going with a "heavily" planted tank.