Aeration

[CreativePotato]

Now that I have finally and (to my knowledge) successfully sponge-baffled the filter, I need a new source of aeration. Any good suggestions for a 5-gallon?

[Mo]

Why would you need aeration? Bettas do not require dissolved oxygen, they are able to breath through the surface and breath the air we breath

[CreativePotato]

I don't necessarily need it, just thought it would be a good idea...

[Mo]

have you tried an air pump? They can be quite noisy though.

[CreativePotato]

I haven't. I've been looking to find some small ones, though. Any brands you suggest?
I suppose the question I meant to ask in the original post was, "Other ways to agitate water?" since the tank water is basically stagnant right now, which I think isn't too healthy for the fish.

[Tamyu]

What kind of filter do you have now, and how is it baffled?
If it is an HOB filter or a lid type filter, the water is exposed to air and agitation inside of the filter. Instead of adding a different type of aeration, you can work with the baffling to make movement below the surface to circulate the water.

On my male's tank, I used a modified version of that plastic cup sticky to aim the water to the nearest corner - there is a tiny bit of agitation there, and the water circulates around the whole tank below the surface. It doesn't bother him at all, and he builds huge bubble nests every day.

[Liquid]

Just buy the smallest air pump you can and gang valve it...

[aokashi]

as long as your have some kind of surface disturbance, you will get "aeration" air pumps don't really release dissolved oxygen directly into the water, it creates surface turbulence and therefore allows more gas exchange etc etc

[michael0918]

You should use air pump. It's freaking cheap.

[Bombalurina]

Originally Posted by CreativePotato

I haven't. I've been looking to find some small ones, though. Any brands you suggest?
I suppose the question I meant to ask in the original post was, "Other ways to agitate water?" since the tank water is basically stagnant right now, which I think isn't too healthy for the fish.

It's not unhealthy, unless you have species other than bettas in there. :) A betta's natural habitat varies from slowmoving to dead still. :) Still water attracts more insects, therefore more foods, so bettas are adapted to thrive in still water, what with labyrinth organs and upturned mouths for eating from the surface. :)