An aquarium without aeration threatens the life and health of its inhabitants. The situation is complicated when the number of small residents is large. The aerator for the aquarium normalizes gas and heat transfer in the aquatic environment, increases oxygen levels.
Oxygen in the aquarium
This is an important factor responsible for the normal functioning of living organisms. The oxygen content in the water depends on the number of inhabitants, tank size, temperature. Water plants play an important role in maintaining the gas regime. A large aquarium with many plants and a small number of fish is able to provide itself with oxygen as a result of photosynthesis. But neglect aeration and in this case is not worth it. In a small reservoir there are no natural regulatory mechanisms, as in nature, therefore, it is necessary to maintain the gas balance artificially.
The aerator runs air through the water. The gas breaks into small bubbles in the atomizer, which release oxygen when in contact with the liquid. The activity of the process depends on the compressor and can be regulated.
Tasks and methods of aeration
The enrichment of the aqueous medium with oxygen is carried out in the following ways:
- Water filter with diffuser. The pump drives water through it, into which air enters. The resulting mixture enters the aquarium.
- Compressor. Through the tube through the sprayer pumps air to the bottom of the tank.
Aquarium aerator is used to mix the water layers. The atomizer located next to the heater will evenly distribute heat due to the creation of circular flows by air bubbles. A large aquarium receives oxygen through the surface. As a result, the upper layers have a higher oxygen concentration compared to the deep ones. Bubbles of air from the atomizer cause water to move from the bottom to the surface, reducing this difference. The aerator for the aquarium is placed above the water level so that when it is turned off, water does not leak from the tank. The problem can be solved by installing a check valve.
Compressor noise
The main disadvantage of the membrane units is the increased noise level that the aerator emits. The price of the compressor varies greatly: from 200 to 1000 rubles and above. Cheap models are the loudest. They lack any sound-absorbing technology. Well-known European brands supply their devices with shock absorbers and sound-absorbing cases. This can significantly reduce the noise level.
There are several ways to solve the problem of a noisy compressor:
- Move the aerator to the pantry or mezzanine, where it will not be heard. A long duct is stretched from it under the baseboard. If necessary, replace the aerator with a more powerful one.
- Put it on a piece of foam.
- Connect via voltage transformer. Along with the noise level, performance will decrease.
- Disassemble the unit and clean the air filter, the pollution of which increases the noise during operation.
A battery powered aerator will save the inhabitants of the reservoir on the road or with frequent blackouts. They have sufficient battery life and performance.
What affects the oxygen concentration?
There are several factors that can significantly change the characteristics of a gaseous substance:
- Temperature. Heating water leads to a decrease in oxygen concentration. High temperature stimulates the metabolism and gas exchange in the inhabitants. Intensive aeration of water in the aquarium can solve this problem.
- Underwater plants. Their ability to saturate water with oxygen is known to many. But do not forget that at night they themselves need this gas. In the dark, there is a tough fight for oxygen between all living things in the aquarium. You can solve the problem by turning on the aerator at night.
- Snails and bacteria. All living things as a result of life consume oxygen, leaving behind a lot of organic matter. Its decomposition exacerbates the shortage of valuable gas in the water. To control the number of aerobic microorganisms do not allow the subsidence of excess feed to the bottom and excessive reproduction of snails.
The oxygen saturation rate of the aqueous medium depends on the size of the air bubbles. Small ones give more oxygen to water. For these purposes, use wooden sprayers: it is better that they are made of linden. They give an even stream of tiny bubbles. Every 2 months, fake nebulizers change due to clogged pores.