Air pump in sump?

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Arok3000

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 16, 2009
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Canada
I have an extra heavy duty air pump and tons of stones.
Could I benefit my sump by adding air underneath the media?

To me it makes sense, since I'd be oxygenating the water more, and I have a pump doing nothing else but sitting here.
 
sure, why not. can't really hurt anything.
 
Would depend on how your media is set up.
If you have a wet/dry, then, no.
The added "bubbles" will not add a thing.
If your bio media is submerged, then , yes.
The "bubbles" would be a plus.
 
tdkee1;3675287; said:
connect it to a sponge filter for added bio.

?
Even someone who has the good sense to live in Oregon, can`t determine the OP`s need for more bio media from the post.
Unless there were fluctuating ammonia levels the media existing would seem to be taking care of the waste.
Bio media, beyond the amount needed to process the ammonia a tanks stock produces, is of no value.
 
actually, with an air pump, the "bubbles" themselves provide absolutely nothing in the way of oxygen to the system. its the surface agitation created by the bubbles rising and popping that adds oxygen to the tank.

so again, if the output of your sump (be it spraybar or whatever) creates surface agitation, the air stone in the sump provides nothing
 
bitteraspects;3675316; said:
actually, with an air pump, the "bubbles" themselves provide absolutely nothing in the way of oxygen to the system.

:iagree:
But, if the media was submerged, the bubbles would add circulation to the media.
That was my meaning.
Same thing could be achieved with a pump/powerhead, but he already has the air pump and stones.
 
KaiserSousay;3675306; said:
?
Even someone who has the good sense to live in Oregon, can`t determine the OP`s need for more bio media from the post.
Unless there were fluctuating ammonia levels the media existing would seem to be taking care of the waste.
Bio media, beyond the amount needed to process the ammonia a tanks stock produces, is of no value.

No value? Not so. A secondary source of Bio filtration is never a bad idea and does indeed have some value........need to seed a new tank? Ya got the sponge filter, something goes wrong with the wet/dry? Still have good source of bio etc. Sponge filter great for fry and fish to pick at etc.

Maybe not needed but still of value. Much more valuable then the pump sitting on the sidelines doing nothing.
 
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