Can I use a regular air pump for a planted tank?

katherine39 CA 🌱 Newbie 👁 40 ⚑ Report Aquariums

I've got a 40-gallon planted setup that's been running for about 8 months now, and I'm wondering if I should add an air pump. Right now I'm just relying on the filter for water movement and the plants for oxygen during the day. Would adding a cheap aquarium air pump mess with my CO2 levels or cause any issues?

air pumpplanted aquariumaquascaping

1 answer

JE Jessica King CA 🔍 Enthusiast 💬 35 answers ⚑

Don't add an air pump if you're dosing CO2 - it'll strip it right out of the water and wreck your plant growth. Since your plants are doing fine with just the filter for circulation, you probably don't need one at all.

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