Air Stone

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by 20ducks, Dec 18, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    Is it helpful to have an airstone in a 46 gallon reef/with fish aquarium?
     
    20ducks, Dec 18, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 18, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2011
    Messages:
    5,109
    Location:
    DFW Texas
    A couple powerheads and a nice skimmer will take care of your aeration needs. Airdromes aren't really used in SW.
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 18, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 18, 2011
    #2
  3. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2011
    Messages:
    4,053
    Location:
    Greenville, SC
    What do you have in means of filtration. A powerhead pointed towards the surface that agitates the water a little will give you the gas exchange I think you are looking for. About the only reason people use air stones in saltwater is with battery powered pump for when the power goes out or for breeding purposes. A skimmer like mentioned above will also help you out.
     
    sticksmith23, Dec 18, 2011
    sticksmith23, Dec 18, 2011
    #3
  4. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    Skimmer...got one
    Holey rock...got some
    Live rock.....just put some in the tank

    ...plus 3 snails and 2 hermit crabs.

    One more question.....water temp goes from 78~81.5 Good range or not???
     
    20ducks, Dec 19, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 19, 2011
    #4
  5. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2011
    Messages:
    5,109
    Location:
    DFW Texas
    That's fine. Is the tank cycled? Oh and HOLEY rock is for freshwater idk if it's ok in SW or...?
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 19, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 19, 2011
    #5
  6. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    Water is cycled, 'cept for ph: it is at 7.4, close so in went the rock and creatures. I've added some "Reef buffer" to increase the ph. The holey rock highly suggested by the aquarium shop I now go to. Expensive stuff.

    btw, with my water cycled (fully confirmed tomorrow) I'll be adding a few fish soon! Hurray!
     
    20ducks, Dec 19, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 19, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. 1fishyguy

    1fishyguy Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2011
    Messages:
    478
    Location:
    Missouri
    Wouldnt worry about air stone you should be fine. Make sure your testing everything and not just Ph before adding fish.. how long have you let the tank cycle?? Doesnt hurt to get a chromis if you think your ready and see how he does for a week or two.. cheap and you dont have to worry about pulling him back out like damsels
     
    1fishyguy, Dec 19, 2011
    1fishyguy, Dec 19, 2011
    #7
  8. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2011
    Messages:
    5,109
    Location:
    DFW Texas
    I wouldn't be surprised if it was the holey rock that's causing the low ph.:/ holey rock is for African cichlid tanks. It's very dense so you woulnt get the same biological filtration as live rock. 7.4 is very low for a SW tank. 8.3 is ideal. The rock might be softening the water...
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 20, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 20, 2011
    #8
  9. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2011
    Messages:
    4,053
    Location:
    Greenville, SC
    That is a possibility. Some rocks for specific tanks are made to buffer the water.
     
    sticksmith23, Dec 20, 2011
    sticksmith23, Dec 20, 2011
    #9
  10. Stercus Accidit

    Stercus Accidit Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2011
    Messages:
    213
    Location:
    Lakeland, FL
    A very good possibility. I would pull that rock and get some dry base rock, and maybe a few lbs of LR instead.

    An air stone is not necessary in SW if you have some surface agitation.
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2011
    Stercus Accidit, Dec 20, 2011
    Stercus Accidit, Dec 20, 2011
    #10
Page 1 of 2