The Importance of Aeration in Planted Aquariums

It’s often thought that just adding CO2 is enough for a thriving planted aquarium. However, aeration is essential for the overall health and balance of your aquarium ecosystem.

Why Aeration is Crucial

Here are the three main reasons why aeration plays such a vital role:

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  Balances CO2 Levels: At night, when the lights are off and photosynthesis isn’t happening, plants consume oxygen and release CO2. Aeration helps release this excess CO2, allowing your plants to breathe properly.
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  Prevents Oil Films: Aeration helps agitate the water surface, preventing or temporarily removing unsightly oil films that can form, especially when CO2 is being pumped during the day.
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  Vitalizes Essential Bacteria: The beneficial bacteria that break down waste and keep your aquarium clean need oxygen. Aeration at night ensures these microorganisms can function effectively.

Proper Timing for Aeration

It’s generally advised to aerate when the lights and CO2 are turned off, typically at night. You can set opposite timers for your CO2 (on during the day with lights) and aeration (on at night). For more advanced users, leaving a 1-2 hour gap between turning off CO2/lights and turning on aeration can be beneficial. This helps stabilize pH levels, which is particularly important for sensitive inhabitants like shrimp. This setup will require two sets of timers.

Addressing Potential Issues

Aeration can sometimes cause water to splash, potentially damaging LED lights. Most aquarium LED lights have low water tolerance, and water damage might not even be covered by insurance.

Here are a couple of solutions for splashing:

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  Acrylic Lid: You can use an acrylic lid, but only when aeration is active. Remember, it must be removed when your lights are on.
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  Acrylic Shield: A smaller acrylic shield, often called an “Air Guard,” can protect specific areas from splashes while still allowing air to flow. This is generally recommended as a simpler solution.

Overall Benefits

Ultimately, aeration contributes to the overall balance and longevity of your aquarium by ensuring a healthy environment day and night.