Are you wondering if your clownfish can survive without a filter? Is an air pump necessary for clownfish? In this article, we will discover if clownfish can live without an air pump and filter.
Do Clownfish Need an Air Pump and Filter? You can constantly replace the water without a filter, but you should get one for your clownfish. An air pump is not necessary, but also recommended.
You can keep your clownfish alive without a filter and air pump. Keeping them alive is going to be a hands-on task of replacing the water very often. Let’s get deeper into this.
What is Recommended For Keeping Clownfish?
- A filtration system
- Fine aragonite substrate
- Hydrometer
- Thermometer
- Heater
- Test Kits
We’re going to dive deeper into the filter topic later on. The aragonite is like the sand for the tank. A fine aragonite substrate is best for clownfish.
The hydrometer is going to help you test the salinity of the tank. A thermometer will help to make sure the water temperature is correct. The heater will do its job to make sure the water is warm enough for your tropical clownfish.
The test kits will do check the ammonia, PH, nitrate levels and so on. Do you notice how the air pump is left out of the list? Let’s talk about it.
Do Clownfish Really Need An Air Pump To Survive?
Air pumps help to supply more oxygen into the tank. We want our clownfish to have lots of air to breathe in the water.
Can clownfish survive without an air pump? Yes, they can. Clownfish are easier to keep than most fish. They are resilient and they can survive for years without an air pump.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get one. Always be on the lookout for a cheap air pump if money is a concern. Air pumps could vary in price and size. It’s a good option to increase the O2 levels.
What Else Can Air Pumps Do For Clownfish?
Do you like bubbles? Air pumps make a tank look nicer with added bubbles. They not only provide the concentration of oxygen, they can look really nice too. You clownfish will play around these bubbles because they tend to be active and fun loving.
Air pumps can help to move the water through the filter. The water moves with the bubbles into the tubes of the filter faster. It pulls water through it.
If the tank has adequate water circulation, the air pump is not required. Therefore, we have left it off the list of necessary equipment.
What If I Don’t Use a Filter in My Clownfish Tank? Will They Die?
You’re going to be busy. Your clownfish will need to survive in a tank that gets its water changed every 3 to 5 days.
Your clownfish will survive, but the water cannot get cloudy or murky. This means that the oxygen levels are decreasing. You may notice your clownfish swim to the surface to get some air.
This is going to cut their lifespan short. They are going to get stressed and move around more. This in turn, will require them to breathe more oxygen in an already deprived tank.
Once the oxygen levels are depleted, you’ll be lucky to see your clownfish survive for more than two days. A filter should be used to ensure a long and healthy life for your clownfish.
What Is A Filter Going to Do For My Clownfish?
- Break down ammonia
- Trap particles
- Clean out uneaten food
- Remove plant matter
Your clownfish produces a lot of waste. You may not notice it, but it’s happening. The waste produces ammonia which becomes toxic.
The filter is going to break down this ammonia. It’s also going to get rid of particles floating around the tank. These particles could contain bacteria and other harmful elements.
Uneaten food or plant matter also makes the tank murky. It is unclean and unhealthy to have too much matter floating around. Your clownfish is trying to use its gills to filter them out, but they would love some help.
My Clownfish Tank Has A Filter. Do I Need To Maintain It?
Yes. Filters shouldn’t be too difficult to take care of. There is going to be a build up of debris in there and it may not work properly if you don’t clean it out from time to time.
No one wants a clogged filter. You will notice your clownfish becoming more sluggish when breathing becomes more difficult. The joy of clownfish involves their active swimming and playful manner.
All of this is lost if the water is not cleaned out or filtered. Filters can be removed and placed in a tank full of water. Some filters are different and the instructions will clearly indicate how to clean them out.
How Long Should I Wait Before Placing My Clownfish in A Filtered Tank?
The aquarium has to be ready before you can place your clownfish into it. This process is usually called the maturing of the aquarium. It could take 4-5 weeks before the tank is mature.
During this time, the levels are being tested. The PH, salinity, nitrates and so on must be just right before the clownfish is ready to swim around. A filter is going to make this process much smoother.
Remember to keep the water temperature between 74-79°F for your clownfish. This is why a heater is more important than an air pump.
Can I Make My Own Filter For My Clownfish?
The internet is full of DIY projects. You can make your own filter for your clownfish , but please be careful. The cost savings need to be placed in front of the life of your clownfish. Many fish keepers will not agree to that.
Take your time and carefully consider if saving money is worth it for the life and health of your clownfish.
Conclusion
Clownfish should have clean tanks with enough oxygen to breathe and thrive. A filter is going to make life easier. You don’t want to change the water every few days. The filter is important.
The air pump can be left out of the list of necessary equipment for now. Your clownfish are resilient and fairly easy to care compared to many other fish. They can live without an air pump. If you think the bubbles will be fun for them, then splurge for an air pump too.
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