What is the purpose of an air pump in a fish tank?
An air pump is a device that artificially pumps air into the water of an aquarium. This device fills several functions within the aquarium ecology including adding supplemental air to the tank, water agitation and facilitating filtration.Additional AirThe first and most important function of an air pump in an aquarium setting is to add supplemental air to the water. This is important to the health of the fish, especially if the tank houses more fish than recommended. Additional oxygen helps the tank break down organic material such as fish waste and excess food.Water AgitationWater agitation is also important to creating a healthy environment for your fish. Water agitation creates additional surface area to facilitate gas exchange. Toxic gases build up in the water from the breakdown of organic material and from the respiration of the fish themselves. Water surface agitation allows these gases to be released from the environment.FiltrationAlso, water agitation helps gets the toxins in
