Air Pumps

The primary function of the air pump is to provide air and water movement to the aquarium. The air pump is also used to power:

Airstone Assemblies - These include under gravel filters, airstones or air diffusers that create bubbles. Rising air bubbles move water to the surface, breaking the surface tension and agitating it. This promotes carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange, which can only occur at the water surface. Generally, this provides enough oxygen to aquarium water for fish to survive.

Decorations - Some decorative aquarium ornaments require air to create the movement of parts.

Box Filters - Simple box type filters consist of a sandwich of filter material through which water is drawn, resulting in purification. These systems provide both mechanical and some biological filtration. Their utility is restricted to smaller aquariums due to their relative size and relatively limited water movement.

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Temperature Control

Fish are "cold-blooded", and require temperatures in the natural range found in native habitats. Fast changes over short duration's weaken fish rapidly. This allows parasites and infections to spread. The enzymes used to digest food are also normally restricted to limited temperature ranges.

The importance of steady temperature over time cannot be stressed enough. Tropical aquariums should range between 23° -28° C (73° -82° F). For standard community fish it is best to set the temperature between 24° -26° C (75° -79° F) to keep the fish in a comfortable range. Specific temperature for a species can be found in available literature, or from the experience of a knowledgeable pet dealer.

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Heaters

Purchase an accurate heater for your needs. Aquarium capacity determines the wattage required. Other influencing factors include aquarium position close to heat or air conditioning ducts and how completely the aquarium is covered. Under relatively ideal conditions, a rule of thumb of at least 5 watts per gallon can be used. If the aquarium is in a cool room or basement, the wattage should be doubled. If in doubt, obtain the next higher available wattage or consult your local pet dealer.

The two most popular types of heaters are the clip-on heater, which attaches on the aquarium rim with its controls outside the aquarium, and the fully submersible style, which can be completely immersed in the aquarium. Both are reliable and accurate.

Radiant heaters fasten securely to the aquarium and provide economical temperature regulation. There is a full range of wattage's available for all aquarium sizes. The Thermal heater line has three distinct types. Thermal Compact permits a large range of usable temperature and can be set outside the normal temperature range for most fish. Thermal Compact Pre-Set is a compact size heater which uses a factory set temperature calibration dial to permit a selection of the desired temperature without trouble.

The Tronic heater employs a patented thermal sensing device which is equivalent to an outside probe in accurate temperature calibrating, but is integrated within the unit. Tronics are entirely solid state with no moving parts. They are completely accurate in temperature regulation and maintain constant heat reliability over time.

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