is air buble in display tank bad??

[newbie2004]

hello all.

I been spenning lots of time here on RC. Most of you don't have buble air line in your display tanks.

is there a reason for that?
is air buble bad for SW tank?

thanx.

[AllenFord_SC]

Not so much that they are bad. They are actually great for aeration but they take away from the natural look of the tank. Most people on here opt for a skimmer to provide aeration. There is also an arguement that microbubbles are unhealthy for the fish, but I have yet to read an article that proves this theory to be correct. Are you running a skimmer? If so the Airstone is not necessary.

[reefwick]

What do they say micro bubbles do to fish???

[Blown 346]

Micro bubbles in fair amounts can lead to the fish having stress.

[AllenFord_SC]

The arguements that I have read say microbubbles can harm the fish by getting behind their gills and eyes. Here are a couple of threads to read:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=724930&highlight=microbubbles+AND+fish

This article written by Eric Borneman debunks the theory though:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-01/eb/index.php

So as I said just a theory that has yet to be proven.

[reefwick]

Good info, thanks for posting the threads.

[NCreefwannabe]

If you have a skimmer and some powerheads, you shouldnt need more aeration or surface agitation than that. If you really want bubbles, most powerheads can be used with a hose out of water to draw in air and spit air and water in the tank.