Ok, I don't see what the little air tube does. I see no bubbles coming from this filter at all. Do I need an additional air stone for my tank?
1836731
As long as the black bubble is sticking out of the water, the current from the filter will pull little air bubbles in. Both of mine work great!
1836732
NO, You don't need to buy a stone. The adjustable ball inserts in the end of the air hose, the air tube goes outside the tank or at least the top ball does (not too much of the tube), just use the black plastic tube clip. The adjustable ball has a slot to let more or less air and goes on the outside of the tank to draw air in. Just make sure the filter is positioned where the tube can reach the surface, so the end can draw the air in and you should be golden. make sure the power is high on the filter too this will draw air also.
1836733
You probably will need an additional air stone. I've used this filter and I'm still trying to figure out what exactly the purpose of that air tube is.
2255116
Sadly, I've only used my once, but from what I remembered it was more of aerating bubbles. Hope that helps.
139787
Great question. I have two air elements in the tank (the LED Bubble wand and an air stone). Because of this I got the Hydrofarm Air Pump 2 Outlets 3W 7.8L/min from Amazon. This is a great pump, quieter than I expected, and works great for the wand when running at 50%. If you have just the one element, the wand, you won't need this pump but you can use the specs of this pump as a rough guide since you won't need more than 7.8L/min to run your bubble wand. Get a pump that is adjustable. I really like being able to freely adjust the pressure which creates a different feel in the tank depending on how many bubbles you want. Great question. I have two air elements in the tank (the LED Bubble wand and an air stone). Because of this I got the Hydrofarm Air Pump 2 Outlets 3W 7.8L/min from Amazon. This is a great pump, quieter than I expected, and works great for the wand when running at 50%. If you have just the one element, the wand, you won't need this pump but you can use the specs of this pump as a rough guide since you won't need more than 7.8L/min to run your bubble wand. Get a pump that is adjustable. I really like being able to freely adjust the pressure which creates a different feel in the tank depending... » Read More Great question. I have two air elements in the tank (the LED Bubble wand and an air stone). Because of this I got the Hydrofarm Air Pump 2 Outlets 3W 7.8L/min from Amazon. This is a great pump, quieter than I expected, and works great for the wand when running at 50%. If you have just the one element, the wand, you won't need this pump but you can use the specs of this pump as a rough guide since you won't need more than 7.8L/min to run your bubble wand. Get a pump that is adjustable. I really like being able to freely adjust the pressure which creates a different feel in the tank depending on how many bubbles you want. « Show Less
1236683
You might want to check the pump for any kind of blockage,it does not come rushing our with any kind of pressure.I thought there would be more pressure coming out after I installed mine as compared to other filters I have had in the past...that is not the case with this filter/pump set up.
519515
In addition to what Jason said, filters bubble and fish jump, even the little ones. So to keep from "decorating" the outside of your tank with watermarks and dead fish, put a lid on it:)
2026250
its always good to have extra air bubbles. you can vent some air. also as the unit weakens with age you still will have plenty of air. also if you use a long air bubble airator you need the volume. good luck its a great unit and quiet.
245875
You need to replace the sponges IMMEDIATELY with a better filter medium. Look through the reviews and you will find what to use. Otherwise this is a great, quiet little filter for very small aquariums.
1945591
The filter itself does a good job aerating the water. I would say it does a better job than an air pump and the air stone combination but it all comes down to what you are looking for and the conditions you are faced with. For a large volume of water for each fish you'd be fine with just one of the aerating solutions mentioned but if you are faced with a crowded aquarium, it never hurts to have both.
323285
No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water is perturbed. No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water... » Read More No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water is perturbed. « Show Less
1036237
It's a separate filter. I've got a 65 gallon air pump. You run the air line to the filter and suction it to the back of the tank.
1424735
The filter is held on by the supplied suction cups. You will need to an air pump (and related tibing) to 'power' the filter. It's a good unit. I'm pleased with the results in my tank.
703987
How do you judge effectiveness of a filter? I have a very healthy 55 gallon saltwater set up but this filter is only a part of my filtration. I wish they offered a larger one. I am certain this contributes to the success of my aquarium. The filter cartridge comes apart so you can change the filter media without constantly buying new cartridges. I don't have an issue with mineral build up, I'm sure if you have any kind of a serious build up it would impact the effectiveness, how could it not?
1535513
In my case the water came out cloudy only right after the installation, it cleared up afterwards. Its probably cloudy because of tiny air bubbles. I am thinking this is because the water hasn't been in the reserve tank. I tasted the cloudy water and it is just like clear one.
2262267
Be sure your water level is to top of tank. I used 2 filters in mine for extra clean tank. I also opened top strainer 1/2 open. Mine is so quiet I have to check that it is running. If noise continues I would contact the company for a replacement.
837632
You need to replace the oxygen for the fish to breathe that is what it does. Not all fish breath through guills so you need to know if any of your fish do. Some kinds of filter systems do provide some oxygen but I still prefer the air pump.
1351517
I have no technical answers I can answer you questions with. I can tell you it would have good bubbles with 2 air stones. Past that it would only be guessing. It is reiatively quiet, and I feel it is a great bang for the buck.
26281
I have them in a pond with 2 Tetrapod aerators with 2 outlets each and "tees" and valves supplying 6 stones. The ones that are on the least pressure have very small bubbles. The ones that have a lot of pressure have small AND large bubbles. You should have a valve to trim the output of the aerator anyway. I don't think you will find smaller bubbles out of a stone.