Wintertime makes us all very delicate and sensitive to various kinds of flu, colds, and coughs. The same goes for your fishes- they’re beautiful, delicate creatures that need optimal conditions to stay active and healthy. There is a common misconception amongst aquarium owners that cold water tends to retain a great oxygen level. Thus, they may neglect the oxygen needs of their pet fish, which often results in poor aquatic creatures passing away. You don’t want the same for your beloved fish!
Oxygen levels may be stable for ponds and other water bodies, but the same isn’t accurate for aquariums. Aquariums contain much less water and are not connected to any water-mud bed or diversity of plant-life for a proper supply of oxygen. The oxygen in small amounts of water is inhaled by fish and soon finishes. You have all the traits of being a great aquarist; consider the pain of your water buddies your own if you are a true aquarium enthusiast! Today’s blog will cover all there is to know about winter hassles you may have while maintaining your aquarium, especially in creating a perfect oxygen level balance in the water. Let’s dive right into it!!
The Importance of Maintaining Optimal Oxygen Levels
Like all other animals, fish undergo metabolism changes during the winters as well. Their metabolism slows down as well, which means you may need to help them keep up with an exercise routine as well. If you want your fish active and healthy, you must make sure enough air is going through their systems. Due to lower metabolism, fish also suffer from decreased immunity during the winters. An attack of breathlessness because of low oxygen levels may be risky for your adorable aquatic buddies!
Furthermore, if water doesn’t hold water as well, it will still contain other harmful gases like carbon dioxide and ammonia from fish poop. These substances are difficult for fishes. Fortunately so, their effects are neutralized by oxygen levels. All the more reasons why you must look out for the best methods to maintain the best living conditions in an aquarium!
Water Plants Aren’t the way out for Winters
Some aquarists use water plants to regulate the oxygen levels in aquariums. Although this is a nifty trick for the summers, there’s less benefit from this measure during wintertime. Water plants generally produce low amounts of oxygen as compared to plants in the open air. That’s because every leaf on a plant has tiny holes underneath to diffuse oxygen into another medium. Thick mediums like water dissolve much less oxygen and also serve as an obstacle to photosynthesis. Furthermore, the sunlight during winters is much thinner and less in temperature, so the plant may not be able to synthesize oxygen optimally
All that aside, aquariums don’t usually host water plants because they get hard to manage. Every plant requires some earth for roots to grow, and you can’t have much soil in aquariums- the water will get cloudy and saline before you know it! This rules out the option of having water plants help maintain oxygen levels. So, what’s next?
Invest in Aeration
Many aquarists believe the need for a water pump to be a myth. However, this small investment in water aeration and circulation has many more benefits that point to procrastination. Don’t worry, concerned aquarist, because we’ve done all the homework for you. Here are some solid reasons why you should go for a water pump in your aquarium.
Water Pumps Cause Surface Agitation
The oxygen your fishes need usually sits atop the surface of stagnant water while the carbon dioxide levels increase with every flip of the fin. Using a water pump agitates the surface of the water, pushing carbon dioxide bubbles out and dissolving surface oxygen into the fluid. Here’s a quick observation you must make with your fishes: if you find your water buddies reaching for the surface of the water and gasp there now and then, it means they’re struggling for air. All the more reason why you must invest in aeration.
If you’re easily disturbed by water pump noise, there are many types of water pumps in the market that allow sound-proof aeration with added benefits. If your aquarium hosts plant life as well, please make sure that you do not turn on the pump during hours of sunlight. Plants require carbon dioxide to carry out photosynthesis, so using a water pump during synthesis hours is counter-productive. Instead, you may turn the pump on at night, when no photosynthesis is being performed.
Simple Formula: More Oxygen = A Healthier Aquarium
Your fishes will be much healthier and active if they receive their fair share of oxygen throughout the day. Picture yourself sprinting for twenty meters or so. You’re breathless at the end because your body requires a higher amount of oxygen because of the exertion. You will pant until that oxygen level is restored. If fishes don’t get the amount of oxygen their bodies require, they become breathless and irritable. This condition leads to muscle fatigue and can develop into a medical condition very rapidly if prolonged.
Water Pump Additions you Must Have
Don’t invest in ordinary, mechanical, noisy water pumps. There are water pumps out there that add a unique, aesthetic touch to your water tank. Water pumps come in all different shapes and sizes. Some pumps resemble treasure chests, coral reefs, or sea rocks, all with the function of water circulation and gas exchange in addition to their captivating beauty.
Water pumps have diverse functions! You can also attach a sponge filter to your water pump. What are sponge filters, you ask? Well, you would be fascinated to hear that your aquarium is an entire ecosystem on its own, and houses several different forms of good bacteria. Sponge filters are breeding grounds for good bacteria, which ensure that your fishy friends are well cared for. What’s more, sponge filters cancel out any irritating white noise that the water pump makes when it’s turned on. It’s a win-win situation, without a doubt!
How to Safely Install an Air Pump in my Aquarium?
Air pumps need to be installed with caution since they are electronic devices, and no one likes to be electrocuted! The air pump stays fixed outside the aquarium. The silicone pump makes it to the water. If you haven’t installed a pump before, please consult a specialist and let him guide you through the process. Pumps come with a proper description, instructions on how to install the device, and at least a one-month warranty. Do not purchase a pump if it does not meet these requirements.
In Conclusion
As a classy aquarist, you must make your water tank your sanctuary. Invest in making the lives of your fish buddies comfortable and stress-free. No fish should be neglected. What better way to ensure a great and healthy for fish? Water and air pumps are an investment worth your time, money, and effort. We hope this blog post was of some use to you! Let us know your thoughts and tips to keep an aquarium flawless. We’ll be looking forward to interaction from your side!
