Fish can’t survive without enough oxygen in the fish tank. If you have a fish tank, you may want to increase the oxygen levels in the water. This can be done in various ways. There are some long-term and short-term solutions to this problem. Whatever approach you take, the basic mechanism is the same.
Increasing the water circulation or surface agitation is the key to increasing oxygen in a fish tank. You can do it by pouring water from some height, deploying an air pump, blowing air over the water surface using a fan, or performing a large water change.
Which techniques you need to follow depends on the situation of your tank. Before that test the water to see what the current oxygen levels are. This can be done with a simple test kit from a pet store
In the subsequent section, you’ll see that I’ve described eleven different ways to increase the oxygen level in your fish tank. Some are natural methods that don’t cost you a single dollar, but others will cost you a few bucks.
What are some of the signs that your fish are not getting enough oxygen?
Fish need access to clean, oxygen-rich water to breathe. If you notice your fish gasping at the surface of the water or hanging out near the filter intake, this is a sign that they are not getting enough oxygen.
Due to insufficient oxygen, they may swim erratically, float upside down, or lie at the bottom. In addition, their gills may look red and irritated, and they may become lethargic.
Gasping on the Surface
Oxygen enters the water through air-water contact at the surface of the fish tank. On the surface, the oxygen level is relatively high compared to the bottom. When the oxygen level goes down, it is evident that fish will come near the surface and try to take oxygen.
Therefore, when you see fish gasping near the surface, it could be an indication that your tank lacks the necessary oxygen.
However, don’t be confused with the movement of labyrinth fish. Some fish, including Bettas, Gouramis, and bottom-feeder catfish, periodically come to the surface and gulp air with their labyrinth organ. They will not stay long on the surface when it’s normal.
If you notice they are also trying to take breath after breath with a wide-open mouth, including other fish, you should immediately take action.
Sluggish Fish Movement
Oxygen is the fuel to run all living animals. Low oxygen levels will slow down fish’s natural movement. They will move less vigorously, and there will be no playful nature. Although fish don’t move continuously, sometimes they take rest or even sleep. Still, when you see it often, that may be a symbol of low oxygen.
Lack of Appetite
In a low oxygen conditions, fish will not take their bite as they usually do. If you observe, all the fish in your fish tank are not eating at a time, and foods are floating on the surface during mealtime, that may be a vital sign.
Difficulties in Breathing
In a normal situation, fish takes in water and passes it back to the gill bars and gill filaments, where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. At an extremely low dissolved oxygen level, fish tends to breathe desperately. Gill’s movements become rapid in an attempt to process more water to get oxygen. Excessive gill movement and troubled breathing are clear indications of low oxygen.
How to Add Oxygen to Fish Tank Fast?
If you have a fish tank, you may want to add oxygen to it. There are a few different ways that you can do this, and each has its own benefits.
The best way to add oxygen to a fish tank fast is by using an air pump. This will create bubbles in the water, which will help to oxygenate it. Another way to add oxygen to a fish tank is by using a powerhead. This will create a current in the water, which will also help to oxygenate it.
If you want to add oxygen to your fish tank really fast, you can use both an air pump and a powerhead at the same time. This will create a lot of movement in the water and should help to quickly oxygenate it.
What Are the Quick Fix for Increasing Oxygen In Fish Tanks?
Deploying an air pump is definitely a quick fix (long-term too) for low oxygen levels. However, it may not be readily available. Therefore, you may like to know some of the other alternatives except an air pump.
In this section I’ll describe how you can increase oxygen naturally without an air pump, and what method shall you follow during an emergency scenario.
How to Increase Oxygen in Fish Tank Without Pump (Naturally)
1: Water Change (50%)
One of the simplest ways to increase dissolved oxygen levels in your fish tank is simply by doing regular water changes. When you change out old water for fresh water, you are automatically increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the tank since fresh water has a higher concentration than old water.
Water changes also help remove any build-up of toxins or other pollutants that could potentially harm your fish. Change 50% of water using fresh water. And to do it properly, check my article on how to change water without killing fish.
2: Pour Water From A Height
Pour the water from some height. The more the height, the more oxygen will get dissolved during the process. Next, use a container, take some of the existing water from the aquarium, pour it down, and repeat the operation several times.
You can also do that while adding new water during a water change. Again, place a plate or bowl on the substrate to prevent stirring.
3: Manually Agitate the Water
Agitate the water manually, and repeat the process from time to time. Stirring up the water surface is an excellent way to increase the oxygen level.
How to Increase Oxygen in Fish Tank During an Emergency
Your fish may need instant oxygen during emergency events likely they are:
- High water temperature due to heater malfunction
- Power outage
However, regardless of the reason, if you need an immediate boost in the oxygen level, following the below-mentioned ways will definitely help.
Method-1: Ice Cubes and Fan
If the low oxygen level is because of high temperature, along with water change and pouring water, add ice cubes in the aquarium to lower the temperature quickly.
Use zip-closed bags filled with ice cubes, then put them inside the water. You can also deploy a fan to increase the air circulation across the tank’s water, helping take the heat away.
Method-2: Battery-Powered Air Pump
Use a battery-powered air pump if your oxygen level decreases during a power outage. Also, if you live in a place where a power outage is expected, you had better keep a battery-powered air pump for emergency support.
Although they are not as powerful as electric-driven air pumps, they could be pretty handy to handle difficult times. If the power cut occurs for a prolonged period while your filters aren’t running, in that case, you must check for ammonia. If ammonia starts showing, use ammonia-reducing agents to prevent ammonia poisoning.
What Are the Causes of Low Oxygen Levels?
Knowing is winning the battle! You already know the signs of low oxygen levels in your tank; now, I’ll tell you the causes. If you identify the reasons for your problems, it won’t be hard to resolve the issue. So, let’s go ahead.
Overstocking
Overstocking is the most common cause of low oxygen. Too much population will obviously need more resources to survive. An aquarium is a fixed space; if you don’t stock the right amount, there will be a shortage of oxygen.
Beginners usually make this mistake when they start, and overstocking also leads to so many other problems.
High Water Temperature
There is a direct correlation between high water temperature and low dissolved oxygen (DO). Cold water can hold much more oxygen than warm water. As the temperature increases, the ability to carry oxygen reduces.
Look at the table below for a better understanding. Dissolve oxygen becomes zero (0) when the water temperature reaches 100°C (212°F). Image source: pondtrademag.com
As I said earlier, the accepted minimum level of DO is 4-5 mg/L for fish to survive. Most tropical aquarium fish live comfortably in the range of 75° to 80°F. Coldwater fish prefers below 70°F.
So if you are using a heater, you don’t need to raise the temperature above 80°F unless you have an Ich outbreak, where a maximum of 86°F is recommended.
Waste Accumulation
Excess waste accumulation is another cause of low oxygen levels. Overstocking, overfeeding, lack of maintenance, and improper cleaning are the predominant factors for waste pile-up.
More fish will produce more waste through respiration and feces. Uneaten food due to overfeeding and clogged filter also contribute to garbage accumulation. Bacteria need more dissolved oxygen to break down the residue and waste, reducing the aquarium’s water oxygen-carrying capacity.
Suppose bacteria fail to break down the extra garbage. In that case, that will decompose and form toxic gases like ammonia, which drives away the oxygen and is lethal to fish.
Heavily Planted Tank with Low Lighting
We all know that plants bring tremendous benefits to the aquarium, including better oxygenation; however, but only under the right conditions.
Plants consume carbon dioxide in the water and release oxygen in photosynthesis when exposed to sufficient light. However, when there is low or no light, the reverse process happens; they consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
Algae also work in the same way as live plants; therefore, the right amount of lighting is mandatory to check algae growth and maintain a healthy oxygen level.
Lack of Water Movement
Stagnant aquarium water is another reason for low oxygen levels. As stated above, aeration (rapid movement) is one of the ways oxygen enters the water.
Oxygen is usually rich near the surface, but that doesn’t reach the bottom due to a lack of agitation or circulation. The movement of water is helpful in oxygenating the entire aquarium water volume.
Use of Certain Chemicals
The use of chemicals and additives can have an impact on low oxygen levels. Therefore, a good practice is always to be retrospective whenever you use any chemicals in your aquarium.
How can you increase the oxygen in your fish tank (Long-Term Approach)?
One of the most important things you can do to increase the oxygen in your fish tank is to add plants. Plants produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis and can help to raise the oxygen levels in your tank.
Other methods of increasing oxygen levels include using an air stone to create surface agitation, using a powerhead to create a strong current, and installing a protein skimmer to remove organic waste.
All of these methods will help to create a healthier environment for your fish.
Step-1: Solve Overcrowing
Solving overcrowding will help you tremendously; follow the proper guideline for stocking. You should find what would be the ideal number of fish for your aquarium.
Although there is so much controversy about the ‘one-inch rule’ — allowing one gallon of water for every inch of fish — it’s a good one to follow. First, remove extra fish from the fish tank.
Step-2: Always Keep In Check The Water Temperature
It would help if you always checked the water temperature since dissolved oxygen level decreases with increasing water temperature. High water temperature can occur due to three reasons:
- Heater malfunction
- The aquarium light heated the water
- The aquarium is exposed to direct sunlight
- Very high ambient temperature (Likely in summer)
I heard so many horror stories of a faulty heaters that led to fish death. Nowadays, many reliable brands over there, but you can’t knock them out.
To prevent accidental temperature rise because of heater malfunction, I recommend using a separate temperature controller along with the heater. If one fails, the other will catch it up. This added safety will give you a permanent solution.
Some aquarium lights heat the water, i.e., fluorescent bulbs and metal halides. However, you can buy LEDs instead of using those lights because LEDs don’t heat the water. Check my article for the best-LED lights for aquariums.
Moreover, you should not place your aquarium under direct sunlight; it makes the water warm and leads to algae problems. Your aquarium should be in the coolest place in your home.
During summer, the ambient temperature goes high. Suppose you live in a place where it’s challenging to restrain the tank temperature to a desirable range. In that case, an aquarium chiller could be a good solution.
Aquarium chillers are a great way to keep your fish cool and happy. They work by transferring heat away from the water and into the air or ground surrounding the aquarium. The cooler temperature will then result in a more comfortable environment for your fish, as well as increased oxygen availability.
Step-3: Keep Aquarium Clean & Improve Water Quality
Improving water quality in your fish tank is a great way to keep them happy and healthy! To do this, you’ll need to replace 20% every week, and you can also help by making sure any old food at the bottom gets removed.
This will eliminate excess organic materials from your aquarium environment, which can cause high concentrations of ammonia and nitrites if not removed timely. Not only does it will keep aquatic friends alive, but it will also make their homes more livable while reducing the waste build-up over time.
Routine cleaning of fish tanks and maintenance of your filter is another way to prevent waste build-up. Whatever filter you are using, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to replace the filter element to avoid clogging.
Cleaning the aquarium is a painstaking task to do. I don’t want to elaborate here. I have a detailed article on how to clean a fish tank; please check that out.
Step-4: Create Surface Agitation And Water Movement
Providing better air-water contact and water movement are the most effective ways of increasing oxygen in a fish tank. I’ll suggest several ways that you can implement it. You don’t need to use all of them, either one or two.
HOB Filter
HOB (Hang On Back) filters are great for increasing air-water contact and usually sit on top of your aquarium at the rear end. The filtered water from HOB cycles back to the aquarium like a waterfall, which helps to aerate the water.
They also circulate the water and distribute the oxygen all through the aquarium. If you plan to buy a HOB filter, check out my article, Best HOB filters to create a thriving aquarium.
Spray Bar
A spray bar is an excellent option to increase dissolved oxygen. A spray bar is a sprinkler tube attached to the canister filter’s outlet and evenly sprays the water across the aquarium surface from a height. As a result, water en route to the aquarium comes into contact with air and allows more oxygen to enter.
The spray bar also creates surface agitation, which oxygenates the aquarium water. A spray bar usually comes with a canister filter package. However, if your canister doesn’t have one, you can easily set a spray bar separately at the filter outlet. Check it out; I’ve found a good spray bar for you.
An Air pump & Bubbler
Most people who use some sort of aquarium filter usually don’t use an air pump separately. Many also don’t like the tubings associated with air pumps because of their visual appeal. But an air pump along with an air stone/bubbler will solve your low oxygen problem straightaway.
The complaint is air pumps are not so reliable and create irritating noise. No worry, just for you, I have made a list of air pumps from a reliable brand that doesn’t make noise. Check my article for the best aquarium air pump.
Try to keep your aquarium water level low enough so the water coming out of HOBs, powerhead, or spray bar can make bubbles. Keep the water level 3 inches below the top. However, it isn’t applicable if you use an air pump or wavemaker.
Related read: Best aquarium bubbler for your fish tank
Powerhead/Water Pump
Using a powerhead is an excellent way to create water movement. If your tank lacks the necessary oxygen, you can add a powerhead.
The increased water movement by the powerhead will increase the oxygen level in your tank. A larger tank may need more than one powerhead to sufficiently oxygenate the water.
Wavemaker
Although some people think wavemaker and powerhead are the same. They are similar but not the same. Wavemaker is another good choice to agitate the water surface. Wavemaker creates a wave in the aquarium, like seas or oceans. The turbulence created by the wavemaker enriches aquarium water with oxygen.
Related read: Best Aquarium Wavemaker for creating wave effect in your aquarium
Step-5: Extract the Benefits from Plants
One of the best ways to increase oxygen in your fish tank is by adding plants. Plants not only look great in a fish tank, but they also produce oxygen through photosynthesis. So, by adding some plants to your fish tank, you will not only be helping to improve the aesthetics, but you will also be increasing the amount of oxygen available for your fish to breathe.
- Ensure proper lighting throughout the tank; it will help plants to grow by photosynthesis, and as well as you will get dissolved oxygen.
- Keep in check algae growth; never leave your lights on all the time.
Step-6: Read the Labels
Since chemicals can alter oxygen concentration, always read the label before adding chemicals or additives to your aquarium. Stop using anything that interferes with oxygen level.
What are some of the benefits of increasing the oxygen in your fish tank?
There are many benefits to increasing the oxygen in your fish tank. Oxygen is essential for fish to live and thrive. It helps them to breathe, digest their food, and maintain their energy levels. Oxygen also helps to keep the water clean and free of toxins.
Some of the benefits of increasing the oxygen in your fish tank include:
- Improved water quality
- Healthier fish
- Increased growth and reproduction
- Reduced stress levels
- Better resistance to disease
If you are interested in increasing the oxygen in your fish tank, there are a few different options. Whichever method you choose, be sure to monitor your fish closely to make sure they are adjusting well to the increased oxygen levels.
Overall, increasing the oxygen in your fish tank can provide many benefits for your fish. It can improve water quality, help your fish to grow and reproduce, and make them more resistant to disease.
Are there any risks associated with increasing the oxygen in your fish tank?
There are some risks associated with increasing the oxygen in your fish tank. If the oxygen level gets too high, it can be harmful to your fish. Also, if you have a lot of plants in your tank, they may start to die off because they are not getting enough carbon dioxide.
Fish may die because of high oxygen levels. High dissolved oxygen causes Gas Bubble Disease. Bubbles form in their fins, gills, and eyes and when it goes to the heart, fish die suddenly. Although it’s rare to happen in home aquariums, a safe oxygen level is mandatory for healthy fish.
You can avoid these problems by slowly increasing the oxygen level over a period of time, and by monitoring the levels closely. If you see any problems, you can quickly adjust the levels accordingly.
Overall, increasing the oxygen in your fish tank can be beneficial for your fish, but you need to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to avoid any problems.
What Are the Safe Levels of Oxygen for Fish To Survive in A Fish Tank?
The safe level of oxygen varies according to fish species. For example, bottom-dweller fish requires 1-2 mg/l of dissolved oxygen to survive, although many fish species require much more than that. The widely accepted DO level is 4-5 mg/L, and below three mg/L, even the hardy fish may suffocate.
| DO Levels (mg/L) | Fish Survival |
|---|---|
| Below 3 mg/L | Very Little Life |
| Above 4-5 mg/L | Large Variety of Life |
| 6-8 mg/L | A Heathy Aquarium |
However, as I mentioned earlier, fish may die because of over-oxygenation. Water can hold oxygen until it gets saturated. When saturated, oxygen can’t dissolve anymore. Fish can live happily without any complaints in oxygen-saturated water.
But the problems arise when water becomes supersaturated. Although the occurrence is not so frequent, it does happen, and it’s one of the root causes of gas bubble disease.
Healthy aquarium water should have an 80-110% of oxygen saturation. A significant amount of fish death occurs when dissolved oxygen rises above 115-120% for some time.
Tips for maintaining optimal oxygen levels in your fish tank
Here are a few tips for maintaining optimal oxygen levels in your fish tank:
- Use an aquarium aerator to keep the water well-oxygenated.
- Do regular water changes to ensure that the water remains clean and fresh.
- Avoid overfeeding your fish as this can cause water pollution and decrease oxygen levels.
- Place your fish tank in a well-ventilated area to ensure that the water stays oxygenated.
- Keep an eye on the water temperature as too much heat can decrease oxygen levels in the water.
- Use live plants in your fish tank as they help to oxygenate the water.
Following these tips will help to ensure that your fish have optimal oxygen levels in their tank.
Take Away
Hopefully, now you have a much better understanding of the overall concept. In a nutshell, you can instantly improve the oxygen level by pouring down some water in the aquarium from a height. Then, a significant water change (50%) or manual surface agitation effectively boosts the oxygen level.
However, those are temporary; you can use an air pump, powerhead, or HOB filter to get the permanent solution. I have mentioned several permanent solutions; however, you don’t need all of them, maybe one or two.
A properly maintained aquarium usually doesn’t show symptoms of low oxygen. Everybody wants to provide a comfortable living place for their adorable fish. However, a low oxygen level is devastating. I suggest using one of the permanent solutions to avoid the risk and always be prepared for an emergency.
I would like to hear your experience and opinions on how you dealt with the low oxygen problems. If you have followed my suggestions, what method do you find most compelling? Would you mind leaving a comment below?
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Improving the water quality in a fish tank is an important step for increasing oxygen levels and keeping your pet happy. To do this, you’ll need to change 20% of the total amount of water every week as well as replace any old food that might have been left sitting at the bottom with new, fresh produce. This will remove excess organic matter from both environments which can cause high concentrations of ammonia or nitrites if not removed on time! Not only does it keep our four legged friends alive but also helps make their home more habitable while reducing waste buildup over time.
Hi SHUNCY,
It is a good point that needs to be added. Yes, indeed, if you keep changing a potion of water every week, that will keep the water parameters in a reasonable range. And leftover foods are dangerous, the proper amount of feeding and adequate filtration are necessary for that. Thanks.