About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question i have a 20 gallon tank set up for freshwater fish with 2 5-10 filters running in it water is clear and brought up to temp. will this work or should i add an air pump before i introduce fish? any help would be nice
Answer Hi Shaun
Air pumps are pretty much just for decoration purposes. If your filters are agitating the water surface good, that's all that is needed to oxygenate the water. Surface agitation is what's necessary for oxygen to be added into the water and CO2 to be released, and filters will generally take care of that with no problem. If there's not much agitation, usually you can drop the water level a bit, I recommend having it at least 1/2 inch or so from the waterfall/output area to allow good surface agitation. And with 2 filters, it makes it even better. My tanks that have 2 filters, I put them on either side of the tank-which works out great.
Also, just because the water looks clear, doesn't mean it's good. Only way to know for sure is to use a test kit, and make sure your ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm, and nitrates kept under 20 ppm.
Another thing, if you're not familiar with it, read this article on the nitrogen cycle:
And, if your tank isn't cycled, then I suggest doing a quick search on fishless cycling a fish tank since you don't have any fish yet. It's easier and less costly in the long run then cycling a tank with fish in it. I don't have any links handy on that topic.....guess I probably should look for some since it's becoming a popular topic lately.
