How to Build a Home Aerator Tank

Aeration is a key component of tropical fish keeping. While keeping a healthy supply of oxygen in your display aquarium is imperative, many overlook the importance of keeping a supply of reserve water on hand. You can increase the quality of reserve water -- which can be used for maintaining the water level in your display tank, water changes, or simply as an emergency tank -- by constructing an aeration tank.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon plastic container
  • Air pump
  • Air stone
  • Aquarium heater
  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the 10-gallon container in an area near your aquarium. Keeping the aeration tank near the aquarium eliminates the need to transport the water long distances when conducting water changes.

    • 2

      Fill the container with tap water.

    • 3

      Attach aquarium tubing and an air stone to the air pump and locate the air pump in a secure location above the water level of the aeration tank. Placing the pump above the water level in the aeration tank reduces the risk of the water being siphoned out of the tank and creating a mess in your home if the air pump shuts off.

    • 4

      Plug the air pump in and ensure that the air stone is producing numerous, small air bubbles in the tank, and adjust the flow rate as needed. Small air bubbles remain suspended in the water for a longer time than large bubbles are are more effective at aerating the water. A healthy flow rate of air bubbles helps circulate water in the tank which increases the dissolved oxygen content and helps speed up the rate at which chlorine and other additives in normal tap water are naturally removed.

    • 5

      Place the aquarium heater and thermometer in the aeration tank and calibrate the thermometer so that the water in the tank is the same temperature as your aquarium. Having water that is the same temperature reduces the stress on your fish when conducting water changes or if you need to place fish in the aeration tank in an emergency.

    • 6

      Refill the water in the aeration tank as needed to maintain the water supply. Aeration tanks often have a faster rate of evaporation due to the increased water circulation from the air bubbles than normal aquariums.