The Benefits and Downsides of an Aquarium Bubbler

Aquarium bubblers are a piece of equipment that help to improve the flow of oxygen in your fish tank. They do this by agitating the surface of the water as the bubbles pop, and they create movement that allows for oxygen to be dispersed throughout your tank. Bubblers are often used in conjunction with other pieces of equipment, such as filters, aerators and heaters. However, they can be used on their own as well.

The Benefits of a Bubbler

The primary reason you want to use a bubbler is to improve your tank’s circulation. The increased agitation of the surface of your water helps with oxygen exchange and can aid in odor removal as well. Bubblers are also aesthetically pleasing, and they come in different forms to add a decorative element to your aquarium.

Another benefit of using a bubbler is that it can increase the number of bacteria in your tank, which can help to eliminate fish waste and excess nutrients. This can reduce the amount of ammonia in your tank, which can be toxic to fish. Lastly, the bubbling action can help to break down dead algae in your tank, which will help keep it cleaner and more pristine.

Are There Downsides to Using a Bubbler?

Some people are concerned about the amount of noise that bubblers make when they are in operation. This can be an issue, especially if you have other equipment in your tank, such as a heater or a filter. To alleviate this, you can cover the bubbling tube with a plastic bag, which will cut down on the noise.

Other concerns can include the possibility of salt creep, which occurs when your bubbler clogs frequently. When the bubbles clog, they splash salt water on surfaces inside your aquarium that wouldn’t normally be exposed to it. This salt can cause a sticky residue that can be difficult to clean off of the surfaces of your tank.

You will also have to clean your bubbler regularly to prevent bacterial growth. This will usually require you to submerge the entire bubbler in a mild bleach solution for about 24 hours. This can be inconvenient, as it will mean having to take your fish out of the tank for a few days while you wait for it to dry.

Finally, bubblers may not be effective if your air pump is too weak. This is because the higher the lift and the farther it has to push the water, the more resistance it will have to flow. You can try to compensate for this by cleaning your bubbler more frequently, which will help to prevent the rubber diaphragm from stretching and cracking and thus lessening its effectiveness.