Surface Agitation

[Gabbone]

Hi guys,

quick question;

I want to make sure I have properly surface agitation to get better gas exchange.

How do you know you achieved that? Do you need to actually see air bubbles creating and popping at the surface or just a fast movement of the whole surface? I have my return nozzle and powerhead aiming at the surface and they create a lot of movement but I don't see any bubbles or hearing sounds of water breaking the tension.

Do you have a "scientific" way to do that?

Many thanks!

Gabri

 

[Dan_P]

Hi guys,

quick question;

I want to make sure I have properly surface agitation to get better gas exchange.

How do you know you achieved that? Do you need to actually see air bubbles creating and popping at the surface or just a fast movement of the whole surface? I have my return nozzle and powerhead aiming at the surface and they create a lot of movement but I don't see any bubbles or hearing sounds of water breaking the tension.

Do you have a "scientific" way to do that?

Many thanks!

Gabri

Surface ripples and swells are a good indication of surface mixing.

 

[Troylee]

No bubbles… as long as it’s got some ripples and you don’t have any oil slicks you should be good.

 

[BrokenReefer]

I am no scientist but my understanding is the same as what Dan_P said, as long as there movement in the water surface that is enough to promote that exchange.

 

[Malcontent]

Is surface agitation even a good way to oxygenate water?

 

[Troylee]

Is surface agitation even a good way to oxygenate water?

Yes! Unless your house has a abundant amount of c02 then it can do the exact opposite lol.. gotta air it out every once in awhile..

 

[BrokenReefer]

Is surface agitation even a good way to oxygenate water?

That and a protein skimmer.