Do goldfish need an air pump to breathe?

Question

Do they need bubbles or can the just live in a glass bowl

Answer 1

Short answer: No. But it depends on how much water they have.

Goldfish can be kept in ponds for example. The larger the surface area of the water in your aquarium, the more gas exchange will occur, and the easier it will be to maintain proper amounts of oxygen in the water.

The point of an air pump is to agitate the surface of the water. This encourages gas exchange at the surface, which is what puts new oxygen into the water. Contrary to popular belief, the bubbles themselves do NOT add oxygen to the water. It is the surface agitation they cause that aids in oxygenating the water. Gas exchange will happen even in completely still water, but surface agitation enhances it.

In an aquarium, you probably need some kind of surface agitation unless you have a very large tank. Power filters can themselves provide adequate surface agitation, but having an air pump is never a bad thing.  

Answer 2

not really... they live a lot longer though..

But if it stays in the glass bowl.. make sure to circulate the water every now and then by take a cup and scooping up some water and pour it in to create bubbles when it meets the water.. it increases the oxygen level =]

Answer 3

an air pump is not necessary, though the water movement it creates does help the aeration of the tank or bowl. if you think it looks nice, great, put one on, but you don't need to.

Answer 4

Glass of bowl....but after u need to get them a bigger tank...they don't need a pump or a filter but is better buying a filter for you tank cuz they can get really dirty and u have ta clean them every 3 days. So filter...it depends on how strong is your filter...mine is not the strong so I have to clean every week. I don't think u need air pump to breathe cuz I don't have one and I have my goldfish in a year. So ask your local petstore for more info...

hope I help :D...

Answer 5

well, they will live longer if they have an air pump.

Answer 6

No, but you'll have to clean the tank a lot more often!

Answer 7

I have kept/bred fish for well over 30 years.  I would NEVER keep anything in a "fish bowl".  There needs to be an exchange of O2 between the air and water.  With the narrow size of the "neck" of the traditional bowl that does not occur very well.  As far as the air stone.  Yes it is better for the fish.  Ultimately the bowl is the worst example to keep any fish in.  Get a small tank instead, your fish will be happier

Answer 8

air pump will help however a filter and a bigger tank is better  your goldfish in a bowl will pollute the water in one day.

kOi keeper & goldfish keeper

Answer 9

thay dont need an air pump, but it wouldnt hurt; wuts they price now? mabye 5$? i say it worth it

Answer 10

it is best if u add an air pump for them helps with circulation of oxygen