Airstone and water circulation?

Question

I have a 10 gallon tank. People are telling me air stones suck for water circulation and adding oxygen, but i think they mean that for larger tanks (like 50 gallon and up). I know oxygen gets in not from bubbles, but from the waters surface (even though the airstone I have breaks the surface quite nicely). But isnt an airstone and a power filter (because of the waterfall effect) good enough for getting in oxygen in and water circulation for a 10 gallon? I do not want to buy a pump to circulate water, especially for a simple 10 gallon setup.

Answer 1

Yes, an airstone and power filter are more than enough to get the oxygen levels up.

You have a pump connected to your air stone, yes? and the flow from the pump will also help.

I wouldnt worry, I think you'll be fine

Answer 2

You're correct on the surface agitation and oxygen.  If yours is breaking the surface, then that is helping to add oxygen.  

And, if you have a filter on the tank, that should be more then enough for circulating the water.  

Is it the right size for your tank?  If it's too small, then that may be a problem with it circulating the water properly.  

Also, be sure it's not clogged, rinse the filter pad out at least once a month in a bucket of tank water.  And, while you're at it, make sure the intake tubes aren't clogged either.  I usually have to clean out mine every 6 months or so.  

And, keep the water level down at least 1/2 an inch from the waterfall area.  That allows for good surface agitation/circulation as well.

Answer 3

if you got a filter in your 10 gallons why need a airstone?  unless your tank is very huge there could be dead spots.