In this article, we will treat a recurring theme in the fishkeeping world. How to solve problems related to the fish tank oxygenation?
Low oxygen levels are rarely a problem in stabilized fish tanks that are not overloaded. However, if your fish is panting and spends a lot of time on the surface of the water – if it is not the natural behavior of the species – it is good to turn on a warning signal. Invest further. In this article, we will show you some of these signs and how to solve problems related to the fish tank oxygenation.
What Are The Symptoms Of Low Oxygen Levels?
There are no alarms that can go off when oxygen levels are too low in an aquarium. In addition to actually testing the water for dissolved oxygen through products, the only indication of a problem will be to check the fish’s behavior.
One of the most common characteristics for when the oxygen level is low, is the movement of the fish. They swim less and even eat less. As oxygen levels drop, fish begin to show signs such as wheezing and faster bronchial movements, while desperately trying to get oxygen from the water by passing much more water through the gills.
Eventually, the fish will remain on the surface of the fish tank. This shallow breathing should not be confused with fish that feed on the surface or with species that can remove air from the atmosphere to breathe, as in the case of betta fish, which have a special organ called the Labyrinth.
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Some other species, such as gouramis, periodically seek to remove air from the atmosphere to breathe. This is a perfectly natural behavior, and the fish will not remain on the surface breathing after this process.
When fish go to the water’s surface for oxygen, they gasp repeatedly, usually with their mouths wide open.
If you see a lot of your fish gasping at the top of the fish tank, the problem is critical and quick action must be taken.
Some measures must already be taken if one or another animal is having this difficulty in the aquarium, because, eventually, the problem worsens. Those who are not looking for air are probably stronger fish or require less oxygen.
Emergency steps
The initial action to be taken is to perform a partial water change of up to 50%. At the same time, increase the water circulation by adding an aerator with a porous stone or even an additional filter temporarily.
Reconditioned water will introduce more oxygen into the aquarium, while increasing circulation will improve gas exchange, saving you some time to resolve the underlying cause.
Thereafter, additional corrective steps will depend on the root cause, which must be determined to ensure that the problem is permanently corrected.
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What Is The Main Cause Of Low Oxygen Levels In The Aquarium?
Overcrowding is the main reason that causes low levels of oxygenation. Other factors rarely cause death if the aquarium is also not overloaded.
This does not mean that the other factors should be ignored, but if the aquarium remains overloaded, their correction may not solve the problem.
Among other causes, we can mention:
– High aquarium temperature;
– Lack of circulation;
– Overcrowded;
– Use of chemicals;
– Poor lighting and live plants;
– Excess waste;
Water Movement
Stagnant water will have very low levels of oxygen. This is one of the great truths, when it comes to the water column, where there will be no exchange of oxygen.
The water near the surface will have more oxygen, however, as it is not circulating, this oxygen does not reach the bottom of the aquarium.
Filters contribute to this increase in oxygenation, as they cause water to circulate on the surface, where gas exchange occurs. The filters also move the water from top to bottom in the fish tank, distributing this same oxygen.
Increasing circulation will increase oxygenation in the fish tank. This can be done by adding an additional filter or replacing the existing filter with a larger one.
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Before doing this, check that the current filter is operating at full capacity. Often, the problem is simply a clogged filter that is not circulating water properly. In this case, a good cleaning already solves the problem. Just remembering to clean the filter with the aquarium water, when performing a Change Partial Water.
Adding those famous air pumps can help with the water circulation in the fish tank. They are easily found in petshops, however they can cause noises that can be annoying, depending on where the aquarium is.
Excess Waste
This is another very common cause for low oxygen levels, usually in conjunction with excess organic matter.
Wasted food, clogged filters and excessive algae growth can cause a decrease in dissolved oxygen, as well as a reduction in the oxygen transport capacity in the aquarium.
A good siphoning of accumulated residues in the fish tank, as well as a continuous maintenance of the filters, will help to prevent the problem from occurring again.
Addition Of Live Plants
Although not a common occurrence, plants can be the cause of low oxygen levels in the aquarium.
Plants use CO2 and release oxygen when exposed to light. When the aquarium is dark, usually at night, the process reverses and the plants use oxygen.
As low as the amount of oxygen use is, this can be a problem for densely planted and overcrowded aquariums.
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Chemicals
Some chemicals to treat disease or modify water parameters can also affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of water.
Whenever you use chemical additives, read the product instructions to ensure that it does not have a negative effect on the oxygen delivery capacity.
Elevated Temperature
In fact, warm water generally does not contain as much oxygen as cold water. In hot periods of the year, this can cause oxygen depletion in the aquarium.
Performing a Chage Partial Water with colder water will help to lower the temperature and introduce more oxygen.
The only observation for these cases is to avoid thermal shocks on the fish, because depending on the temperature your tank is in, the decrease should be gradual to avoid this problem.
So, what did you think of this article? How do you solve problems to the your fish tank oxygenation? Tell us your experience in the comments!
