Powerheads and Air Pumps

POWERHEADS

Both powerheads and air pumps will circulate water in your tank. Powerheads tend to be used more than air pumps in larger tanks.

A powerhead is a submersible water pump that is used for water circulation. They are typically attached to the “lift tubes” associated with undergravel filters. They they pull water through the lift tubes. The outgoing water stream can be pointed in almost any direction. You should point the stream so that the water circulates throughout the tank and stirs up the surface.

Powerhead

AIR PUMPS

An air pump simply bubbles air through your tank. It serves two purposes:

• Maintains oxygen concentration – This is extremely important for discus fish. If your tank has regular water movement on surface agitation without an air pump, it is not needed. This usually happens if external filters are used
• Forces water through a filter – If you are using a undergravel filter, an air pump produces bubbles that will force the water into the uplift tubes. This pulls the water through the filter. If you have a larger tank, a powerhead will perform the same function. Therefore, an air pump is not needed, unless the tank does not have good water circulation

Air Pump

QUESTIONS

• What are the uses of powerheads and air pumps?

• What other equipment will you use for your discus aquarium?

• What other Learning Center articles will you read to learn more about setting up your fish tank?