Knowhow-Now Article

How to Maintain the Oxygen Level in a Pet Fish Tank

By Andrew Wilson

Andrew Wilson

It is common knowledge that all animals need oxygen to survive. When culturing fish in a pond or in a pet fish tank, it is among the first requisite for the fishes to survive in captivity. In their natural habitat in the river, lake, or sea, the plants, phytoplankton, and the atmospheric oxygen diffusing on the surface of the water provide for the oxygen.


In captivity, particularly in an aquarium or tank, the typical source is an air pump that is usually connected to a filtration system. While it is still possible to put in plants as a source of air and food, balancing the micro-ecosystem is too hard for a novice. The artificial source is easier, but it is dangerous if the aquarium loses its source of oxygen. The fish won’t survive very long without oxygen and might die due to this. This usually happens when the filtration is either broken or the power source is gone. Chances are, if you do not have a spare battery for the air pump or a spare air pump, the fish is doomed. If this happens, it is recommended to do this manually until the spare one arrives.

How can you manually introduce air to sustain the oxygen level in the pet fish tank until an air pump is reinstalled? Here is what you can do:

  • Use a clean container and scoop the water; fill it with aquarium water.
  • Hold the container, which contains the aquarium water, and pour it back into tank. Repeat this process a few times.
  • Remember that the more water is dispensed from the aquarium and the number of times the process is repeated, the higher the amount of oxygen is introduced into the water in the tank.
  • Nothing is set in stone. Moreover, this is the same with fish tanks; there are many types and designs of fish tank. It is up to you to judge how many intervals each hour is best for the fish. If you don’t know where to begin then go ahead, if the fish start coming to the surface for air then definitely you need to increase the oxygen.
tropical fish are very pretty
  • Another way to keep the tank clean is to use a small or temporary aquarium and use a used plate or bowl. Place it in the tank and pour the water in this area. It is important to keep in mind that a heavy bowl or plate such as a ceramic must be used for this purpose. This procedure will avoid destroying the substrate that can mix the crud.
  • If you opt to use the hot water treatment to generate heat in the aquarium manually, it is important to remember when pouring hot water over the container that the heat rises being lighter than cold water.
  • Take note too that turning off the filtration system in the aquarium will lead to the buildup of ammonia, a toxic compound. If the filtration is shut off for a long time, it is recommended to test the water for its level of ammonia.

A good knowledge about air pumps is important. It is important to acknowledge the fact that most air pumps are not very powerful especially the cheap ones. If this is the case, chances are the air won’t get far inside the tank. Before you buy or use one, it is suggested to test them to have a preview of what it will be like upon installation in the pet fish tank.

One recommended type of air pumps is the one that runs on AC, and then automatically switches to battery when a power outage occurs. This is particularly useful when a blackout happens and you are not at home.


In captivity, particularly in an aquarium or tank, the typical source is an air pump that is usually connected to a filtration system.

aquaria are great decoration

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