Is this gonna be OK?

[bethyMT]

All right. I realize I was wrong about the airstone and the betta tank.

BUT, now I need some reassurance. On my soon-to-be fry tank, I have the HOB filter baffled and a small airstone. There isn't too much water movement on top that I can see. If I take away the bubbler thing, will the fish really be OK? Even with the baffled HOB filter?

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around this labyrinth organ. Don't they still use thier gills?

Seriously, I don't mean to sound stupid, but maybe stupid is as stupid does...

[dizzydezzy]

the labyrinth organ allows them to gulp a small amount af air and water, oxygenate that stored water, and breathe that - when they find themselved in a low oxygen environment. You will find that in a tank with a filter (that disturbs water surface) or live plants (that provide oxygen), your betta will not go up for air all that often. If they are in a tank that has no plants and surface agitation, they would go up more often.
Since with bettas we are mostly talking smaller tanks and slow-moving fishes with long flowing fins, most airstones create too much current for bettas to be comfortable.

However, you mention that it's a fry tank, does it mean that you are trying to raise betta fry? The fry do not develop their labyrinth organ for a few weeks after hatching, and you want nicely oxygenated water for the eggs to develop well. As long as you can provide a calm area for the bubble-nest (many breeders use an upside-down styrofoam cup, or floating plants), you will want all the oxygenation you can get, so keep the airstone in (within reason, as long as your bettaa are not being dragged around the tank by the current!!). Once the fry start going up to the surface for air, you can take the airstone away.

[Goes to 11!]

will the fish really be OK? Even with the baffled HOB filter.

+1 to Dezzy.

Yes. & You sound stressed, Relax Post what you know and no more and keep learning as you go and all will be well.

This isn't supposed to be stressful for us or the fish.

[bethyMT]

Thank you.

[tate8]

I have an AC50 baffled on my 15 gallon column tank with no airstone. Their is almost no water movement at water surface. I do weekly 50% water changes and my Betta is thriving. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Tiari]

If it reassures you, you can keep the air stone in the tank, as these are fry, and not full grown fully developed Betta. They will not be attempting bubble nesting at this stage, and as another poster said, fry, unlike the adults have under-developed labyrinth organs. The air stone is likely not necessary, however, if it makes you feel more at ease, then keep it. Just monitor the fry for signs of stress from it, and keep it at a very low setting.