Creating flow

[Telford]

Would one ever use airstones to create flow in a tank? Do airstones have any viable purpose?

[pandafishowner]

I thought airstones were just used to add oxygen to tanks? I know I used them on small hospital tanks for my FW fish just because the tanks barely fit filters.

Although I did really like the look of an airstick in the tank before.

[chevyjaxon]

airstones are very useful in a FW tank they promote the exchange of co2 and oxygen in the water im pretty sure its co2 anyways the fish in FW seem to love it

[dsaundry]

In a freshwater tank, air stones appear to be creating flow with the bubble stream they produce, but for true flow you will require a powerhead or filter jet...

[chevyjaxon]

or an AIRCOMPRESSOR hose running at 90 psi no powerhead has got anything on that, although i wouldnt do that if you truly value your fish

[likwid]

Don't use an airstone unless you want tons of salt creep.

[chevyjaxon]

Wait a minute you say an airstone can be used in marine as well?

[Snappy]

I use airstones in my top off resivour to help maintain PH and keep the water fresh.

[chevyjaxon]

Originally Posted by Snappy

I use airstones in my top off resivour to help maintain PH and keep the water fresh.

but wouldnt that introduce air bubbles to the tank??

[Telford]

They don't exactly create 'flow' but they do stir the water and create movement. My predicament is that i have a cylinder tank and nowhere to really install a powerhead. Are there any other disadvantages to having an airstone in a saltwater tank?