The Puffer Forum

I have set up a 20 gal tank for my new (very little) fig 8. I read the stickey about setting up brackish tanks, but didn't see mention of an aerator. Is it okay to have air with a bubble stone in there for him?
Thanks!

You can stick one in if you like, he'll probably enjoy swimming through the bubbles.

I don't think it would do any harm from what I have read, with a brackish tank may have to be prepared for salt being splashed up etc (though someone else will have to confirm this and may not matter so much at a low salinity).

lilacamy931 wrote:I don't think it would do any harm from what I have read, with a brackish tank may have to be prepared for salt being splashed up etc (though someone else will have to confirm this and may not matter so much at a low salinity).

good point, if your tank doesn't have a lid then you will have salt deposits wherever the water splashes. If you have a glass lid be prepared to clean it often because if you leave it for over a week it's a nightmare to get off.

Agreed, you can put one in but know that any bubbles that pop at the surface will leave a salt buildup that can creep out and damage walls, woodwork, etc.. at a lower salinity its not a huge worry, but even at 1.003 you'll see some happening.

they like swimming through the bubbles it keeps them from being bored

Well, it needs a filter of some sort but an airstone is certainly not necessary.

I have a bubble wand in my GSP tank, and he loves it. He swims down into the bubbles, and back up (and then does this over and over). I also have a bubble disc in my F8 tank..he doens't like it as much as the GSP, but he doesn't mind it. As stated in previous posts, be ready to clean. I have lids over both these tanks, however the glass above where the bubbles are (since it splashes more there) tend to create more build up on the lid right there, so be prepared to clean.

I never put any aerator in my tanks and never noticed any trouble. The water agitation made by the filter always does the trick.