Do i need an airpump for my fish tank?

Question

i have a 30 gallon tank with a 30gallon filter.the tank has a lot of rocks in it and im not sure if the fish are getting enough oxygen. i see them gasping a lot and the swim to the surface a lot. i have 3 fish in there right now but im getting 2 more. should i buy an airpump and do i have to gett the 30gallon kind or can i get the 10gallon kind

Answer 1

No, you don't necessarily need an airpump.  It sounds more to me like your fish are suffering from bad water quality.  Did you make sure to put ammonia removers and dechlorinators in there?  

That should be done first thing of all, and after that, if the problem persists, you should get an airpump.

I have bubble curtains for my fish, and they just love the bubbles on general principle.  They're also very pretty.  It may be a good idea just to get one for the heck of it, especially since it is good for the health of the fish.

Best of luck!  

Answer 2

Anything that disturbs the surface of the water (filter out fall,power head, or air stone) will allow gas exchange to occur.

Your tank is probably not completely cycled yet,if your fish are exhibiting signs of distress it is most likely Nitrite toxicity causing the problem. Take a fresh sample of your water to a petstore to be tested. You can relieve the stress on the fish by doing small (10%) water changes until they show signs of feeling better.

The gasping for air symptom might be caused by ammonia burns on the fish's gills. Look for red blotches in the gills,under the operculum.

Answer 3

I'd get the 30 gallon air pump.

We have a 29 gallon with a 60 gallon air pump working two air stones and soon to be a pirate ship.

It would be a wise idea for you to get one, though with a filter, it should be alright. The fish gasping, could be ammonia too. Change 45-50% of the water and see if it helps. =]

Answer 4

i would buy the 30 gal air pump it will be the right amount of oxygen for yr tank if u buy the lower 1 then it wont be beneficial enough for the size of your tank hope this helps u out and good luck it wont be ammonia unless you are over feeding your fish good luck

Answer 5

Instead of an airpump, I strongly suggest getting another filter. You will always want to get a filter that is suited for tanks larger than yours. I would recommend a HOB filter like an aquaclear 70 for that size of tank. It will cost you about $45 but well worth it. You will definitely need some surface movement going on by either the filter or an airstone. Which is why HOB's are great filters to have. If you do want to get an airstone, you absolutely do not have to buy the pump made for 30 gallons. Heck I have tons of 10 gallon pumps I use on tanks like my 90 gallons and other tanks, and it does just fine to create enough surface agitation.

Ammonia poisoning symptoms are when the fish act lethargic, are up at the top of the water breathing heavily, they may have red streaks on their gills (ammonia burn) they don't eat, and of course some will most likely die. Once you see fish breathing heavy and hanging near the surface of the water, these are early signs of high ammonia and should be treated with an immediate water change.

Answer 6

i have a 20gallon wit a 30-60 power flirter  

Answer 7

get the pump made for the amount of water your tank has

make sure your changing the water and make sure they are getting enough food

maybe the water is to dirty adn they are like choaking on it or something..lolXD