Bubbles?

[Brock Fluharty]

How important are bubbles to a saltwater setup? My LFS told me that bubles are a must because that's the only way they can get oxygen into their gills. Is this true?

[Doctor_Reef]

No.....You just need good water movement...surface agitation gives you gas exchange...some use an air stone in their tanks it is up to you...but I don't have and haven't had and I got lots of fish that seem to have plenty of oxygen...You can test your oxygen... if you are concerned....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4366&Ntt=oxygen&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004+113074

[newtofish]

I concur with the good Dr. I do not have any bubbles in my tank and the fish are doing well. I have a MJ 400 pointed up to the top of the water to make it roll. It also gives a pretty shimmer to my MH lights.

[redleader]

Hello Brock,

Actually salt water has less redox factor than fresh water, and marine fish need more oxygen than fresh ones. Oceans of our planet receive oxygen (and other vital gases) by the exchange produced by waves. The skimmer (that you should have) not only serves as a mechanical filter by skimming foam, but it also emulates the "wave effect" in the oceans. Air driven skimmers disolve more than enough oxygen for any system. Any kind of surface agitation will produce gas exchange also. There are cheap "wave makers" in the market today.

Salt water is more dense that fresh water, therefore bubles won't be as big, and small bubles will become foam. Inserting an airstone is just redundant, and personally it looks really taky.