Do Neon Tetras Need An Air Pump? (All You Need To Know)

Neon tetras do not require an air pump to thrive in their natural environment. But will they need an air pump to thrive in captivity? So, do neon tetras need an air pump? Let us find out.

Neon tetras do not require an air pump if placed in a decent size tank with a sound filtration system and live aquatic plants. However, adding an air pump will keep your tetra’s tank well-oxygenated as it promotes aeration by creating water movements on the tank’s surface.

The below article discusses the benefits of an air pump in your neon tetras tank. In addition, we will also know about other ways to add oxygen to your tetra’s tank.

Why do neon tetras need an air pump in their tank?

An air pump maintains the tank’s oxygen level by increasing the water movements on the surface, eventually providing a stress-free environment to your neon tetras.

However, your neon tetras do not need an air pump if it is a decent size tank with a sound filtration system and lots of aquatic plants.

But if you have a big tank, adding an air pump will be advisable to keep your neon tetras tank well-oxygenated.

Likewise, other fish species, even neon tetras, require oxygen to thrive.

Lack of oxygen in your neon tetras tank can make your fish suffocate and pass away eventually.

How long can neon tetras thrive without an air pump in their tank?

Your neon tetras do not need an air pump if you have a decent-sized tank with a sound filtration system and many aquatic plants.

However, adding an air pump will ensure enough oxygen in the tank, providing a stress-free and healthy environment for your neon tetras.

The beneficial bacteria in the tank need oxygen to break down toxic chemicals like ammonia and nitrite that can lead to severe health issues like ammonia poisoning in tetras.

A lack of oxygen in the tank will not allow the beneficial bacteria to break down such toxic chemicals, leading to severe health issues in your neon tetras, eventually weakening them and making them prone to several diseases and parasites.

Therefore, adding an air pump will be advisable to maintain enough oxygen in the tank for the well-being and longer lifespan of your neon tetras.

Best air pump for your neon tetras tank?

Neon tetras do not have any specific demand, so you can add any air pump that is available in the market to your neon tetras tank.

However, we advise you to add Tetra Whisper Air Pump, which is very silent and easy to use. You can use this air pump for 10-100 gallons tank size.

It is available on Amazon: Tetra Whisper Air Pump.

Below are the ways to install an air pump in your neon tetras tank

1. Air Pump
2. Check Valve
3. Air stones
4. Airline Tubing

Here are the directions to add an air pump to your aquarium

1. Connect one end of the tube to the outlet in the air pump.
2. Now, cut the tubing and add a check valve.
3. Cut the tubing again to add the air control valve to set the needed flow.
4. Connect the air stone or other equipment and place it in your aquarium.
5. Your air pump is now ready to maintain the oxygen level in your neon tetras tank.

How can we reduce the noise produced by an air pump?

Below are the ways to reduce the noise produced by an air pump

1. You can use foam blocks to minimize the noise made by an air pump. Cut a section of your foam block to fit your air pump, and cut two grooves for your power cord and air tubing. The foam will help absorb the pump vibration and prevent it from sliding off the table.
2. You can raise the depth of your airstone to minimize the noise produced by an air pump.
3. You can place your vibrating air pump in a folded towel or a cushion to reduce the noise and prevent it from moving or falling from the table or cabinet. 

The above were some ways to reduce the noise produced by an air pump.

How to tell if your neon tetras tank requires more oxygen?

Below are the ways to tell if your neon tetras tank requires more oxygen

1. If you discover your neon tetras increasing its gill’s movements and breathing heavily, it indicates a lack of oxygen in your tetra’s tank.
2.  Your neon tetras staying still and inactive indicates oxygen deficiency in the tank.
3. Your neon tetras swimming in unusual patterns indicates oxygen deficiency in the tank.
4. If you discover your neon tetras gulping air at the tank’s water surface, it indicates a lack of oxygen.
5. No water movements on the tank’s surface indicate oxygen deficiency.

Below are the ways to tell if your neon tetras tank requires more oxygen.

Other ways to add oxygen to your neon tetras tank?

Below are the ways to add oxygen to your neon tetras tank.

Water filter

Adding a water filter to your tetra’s tank will help to keep it well-oxygenated by removing all the leftovers and maintaining the tank’s water quality.

In addition, a water filter also safeguards your fish from harmful chemicals like ammonia and nitrite that can lead to severe health issues in your tetras.

Lack of a water filter in your neon tetras tank can expose your fish to several diseases, eventually weakening their immune system and making them prone to several diseases.

Consider adding a Fluval High-Performance filter to your fish tank, as it helps keep your tank well-oxygenated.

You can buy it from Amazon Fluval High Performance Aquarium Filter.

Also, read: Do Neon Tetras Need A Filter?

Add lots of aquatic plants.

You should add a lot of live aquatic plants to your neon tetras tank to keep your aquarium well-oxygenated.

Aquatic plants in the tank also act as a hiding spot for your fish, which helps your tetras to eliminate their stress.

Below are some live aquatic plants you can add to your neon tetras tank

1. Java Fern
2. Amazon Sword
3. Water Lettuce 
4. Ludwigia Repens

Perform regular water changes 

You should perform regular water changes in your neon tetras tank to keep it well-oxygenated.

Consider performing a 30% water change weekly to maintain the tank’s water quality and keep your aquarium well-oxygenated.

Treat your tap water with a water conditioner, as it helps eliminate all the heavy metals like chlorine and chloramine from the water that can lead to severe health issues in your fish.

We recommend using an API tap water conditioner to treat your freshwater.

You can purchase it from Amazon  API TAP WATER CONDITIONER.

Also, read: Can Neon Tetras Live In Tap Water?

Conclusion:

1. An air pump helps maintain the tank’s oxygen level by increasing the water movements on the surface, providing a healthy environment for your neon tetras.
2. Your neon tetras do not need an air pump if you have a decent-sized tank with a sound filtration system and many aquatic plants.
3. You can reduce the noise made by an air pump by using foam blocks or by raising the depth of your airstone.
4. It indicates oxygen deficiency if you discover your neon tetras staying still or swimming in unusual patterns.
5. Add a water filter, and live aquatic plants, and perform regular water changes to keep your neon tetras tank well-oxygenated.

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Reference: NCBI