Air stone and pump question --

[phatchuck]

I have a 55g tank and want to add an air stone or strip. Is it really necessary to get an air pump that is for a 55g or above? I ask this because it's not running my filter and it's just supplying an extra dosage of oxygen and isn't a vital part of the tank. I was thinking that the size of the air pump would correlate the amount of bubbles I wanted and/or the amount of devices I was supplying air to. Am I wrong about this?

[Brhino]

you're correct. If all you're driving is a little airstone, it doesn't matter if that airstone is in a 5 gallon tank or a 125 gallon tank.

[korith]

The size of the air pump really has to do with the depth of the tank. A 55g is 21" tall, so a pump that might work on a tank 10" tall may not have the power to work well. You are right a larger pump would be able to handle more devices.

[phatchuck]

Thanks for the info guys! I figure I can get away with one that's for a 40g and still be OK. I don't plan on using it for more than a stone or strip for a little added effect.

[sheamurai]

the length of the tubing seems to also be a factor...if your pump is on the floor and you have the combined height of the stand and the tank and then back down to the bottom of the tank to the air stone, that takes some oomph away.
I've found with a bar-type stone that a under sized pump doesn't fill the whole bar with air, I had to put the pump up higher and shorten the length of the tubing in order to get full bubbles.

[dbosman]

..if your pump is on the floor .

If your air pump is lower than the surface of the tank water, you need, require actually, a check valve. If the power goes off water can siphon out of the tank.

[phatchuck]

If your air pump is lower than the surface of the tank water, you need, require actually, a check valve. If the power goes off water can siphon out of the tank.

I wound up getting a tetra whisper 60. I kind of have to put it on the floor, but I did get a check valve. The strip is about 12 inches and the fish love it. My cory cats were going nuts in it! Very fun to watch. I'm glad I got it.