Catfish are amazing fish species; they are beautiful and perfect for an aquarium. There are many smaller catfish species that will add more excitement to your aquarium. These smaller catfish species are brightly colored, and they thrive in many freshwater aquariums. In addition to their beauty, the smaller catfish species are also helpful when it comes to keeping the vessel of your aquarium clean because they feed on algae. However, there are some features you must add to your aquarium to help the fish survive.
Can Catfish Survive without Filter and Air pump in an Aquarium?
One of these features is the filter. Some people have been asking whether they can keep catfish in an aquarium without a filter. The small size of an aquarium compared to the ponds and other natural aquatic habitats make it necessary for you to have a filter fixed to your aquarium.
How does the filter for aquariums work?
The main function of a filter is to keep the aquarium clean. The filters are specially designed to eliminate unwanted matter such as excreta of the fish in the aquarium, floating matter, harmful chemicals, and decaying matter in the aquarium. Some of these things are introduced into the aquarium to make the vessel have more relatable features like the catfish’s natural habitat.
Also, if the catfish in an aquarium do not finish all the food presented during their meal time, the filter can be used to remove the excess food from the fish tank. This is done to reduce the presence of decaying matter, which will be the result if the food is left inside the aquarium.
The aquarium filtration system can be fixed to aquariums of different sizes; the filters also have varying capacities depending on what you need.
The need for air pumps in aquariums
The enclosed vessel of an aquarium makes it necessary for you to have an air pump installed in the system. Air pumps are used to ensure the catfish have an adequate supply of oxygen. While there are some catfish species that can survive for a long time on very little oxygen, the smaller catfish that can be kept in aquariums need more oxygen and clean water to survive.
The air pumps are also helpful in aquariums because they improve the function of the filtration system in aquariums. The water is propelled through the filtration systems by the air pump.
Depending on the internal conditions of the fish tank, without an air pump, your fish may not survive for very long. Averagely, fish tanks without air pumps can sustain the fish for a maximum of two days.
It is necessary to have the aquarium filters and air pumps installed; these systems should also be regularly serviced to ensure they are working adequately. The air pumps you choose may also depend on the material the fish tank is made of, for example, fish tanks made from glass will need air pumps of higher capacity than other types made of acrylic materials. You can also get guidance on whether to install the mechanical, biological, or chemical filtration system in your aquarium.
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