Using an air stone?

[Anonymous]

Good day all!

I am wondering if anyone uses an airstone at all? I have one in my tank, have had it for about a year. It is away from any LR and filters, and is in a back corner of the tank (60 hex)
I have heard mixed things in the past. I feel it works as compared to before I had it as it seems to break up the surface even more, and I feel it helps with exchange of gasses at the surface more than without it. I have no proof, and it could be that the tank is healthier as a coincidence of time (established tank).
Any thoughts or experience?

 

[Anonymous]

It does not hurt anything, but if the salt creep is bothering you, then you may want to get rid of it due to it marginal benefit.

 

[Anonymous]

No, salt creep isn't bad really at all. I end up cleaning outside my tank every couple of weeks or more anyway because I am a slob when I do water changes, using the magnets to clean the glass, testing etc....
So you feel the benefits are marginal at best...is this through experience? Is there any refrences you have read or heard that gives any viable info?
Thanks! I appreciate any feedback you have reef, or anyone else.

 

[Anonymous]

If you are running a skimmer I do not see where an air stone would give you any additional benifit.

 

[Anonymous]

I run an airstone in my 4 foot tall pvc skimmer

 

[Anonymous]

It would be better if it made very large bubble. As the large bubble goes up it creates a ripple throughout the tank. Not really necessary if you are skimmng and have adequate circulation.

 

[SnowManSnow]

The only REAL benifit I can think of is simply surface agitation. I really doubt you even need it for that though. You should have adequate oxeygen and so forth in your tank if your circulation is ok (particularly at the surface).

IMO, I would pull out the stone. It causes increased creep (as stated above) and clouds the water with bubbles (I like a CLEAR water column). Just my opinion though.

B.

 

[Anonymous]

My airstone produces only larger bubbles...I do not run a skimmer or a refug as I use a cascade 1000 with different size flossing and carbon. Circulation at top is done by the cascade as I have the return pointed along the top, and the bubbles are right after the return flow so it spreads the bubbles out along the surface. Circulation through the rest the tank mid water and lower level is done by a rio 800 powerhead.
Flow in the tank is good, I think simply because it is a 60 hex, and it has a more "circular" shape than a rectangular type aquarium. LR is set up to create good flow.
Salt creep as I stated is not a problem.
I think because of the set up I have (no refug/skimmer) I need the stone to aid in the health of the tank...
Thanks!