aerator

Question
QUESTION: I just bought a new tank and don't know much. I bought a kit that can with a heater, and filter. Do I HAVE to have an aerator (Air pump)? The filter moves the water. Does that give the tank enough air? I have not bought my fish yet. I have a 28 gal tank

ANSWER: Kurt,          Is this one of the bow front set ups. Your filter is fine, but air bubbles are great as long as they don't upset the fish. Like put a bubble wall on the back of the tank..... some fish will ride it up and come back down and do it again. It agitates the water more and helps oxygenate the water. It is good to have one. It will keep your fishys healthier and brighter.Don't forget load your tank slow. No catfish or algae eaters for about 3 weeks. Watch your nitrogen cycle down . Hopefully your local pet shop  does free water testing like we do and can watch your tank cycle down. Add four at first. After a few days 2 more. Than wait a week for your tank to start building its ecosystem. Then a few more. Do it slowly and you shouldn't lose too many fish. You may lose one or two. You can't always get healthy fish and some don't do well thru this cycle. Don't get discouraged. If you have any probs I am here Good Luck, Tina

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QUESTION: Thank you so much!!! My water is a bit cloudy, and I haven't added fish yet! Is that normal?

Answer
Kurt ,          This is a bacteria bloom. It is essential to the well being of your babies. This will eventually settle into your rocks. This will create a bacteria bed. This will eat the waste from your fish and recycle your ammonia to nitrites then to the least toxic form of ammonia nitrates. Do not buy clear stuff. Just hang out. Though you are going to have that for abit everytime you add new fish, They are also adding bacteria to you tank naturally. Add fish only after it has settled down after each new addition. Try to do as little water changes as possible during this time. 10% if it completely toxic . The more you do the longer it will take for your tank to cycle out.This is called new tank syndrome. Look into this.... Good Luck, Tina ... if you need me for anything Kurt please feel free to ask no questions are stupid ... we want you to do this and not lose fish.