question about aerator

[lowell]

Is it really necessary to put aerator when the lights are off in a planted tank? Thanks.

[Aeon]

It's good to oxygenate the water at night and to release the CO2 in the tank.

[lowell]

It's good to oxygenate the water at night and to release the CO2 in the tank.

Is this good for the plants?or is this good for the fish?thanks.

[bryan]

Day time - Plant take in CO2 give out O2
Night time - Plant take in O2 give out CO2
Day or night - Fauna take in O2 give out CO2

Can you spot the answer?

[Quixotic]

Day time - Plant take in CO2 give out O2

This is slightly incorrect. During day time, plants go through respiration as well, so plants do take in O2 and give out CO2.

However, plants use up more CO2 during photosynthesis than they produce in respiration, and produce more O2 while photosynthesising than they use up during respiration.

[PeterGwee]

Plants don't use much O2 at night and even then, they use their own reserves. Fish/critters and bacteria are the major consumers of O2. Making sure that you have enough surface movement 24/7 and the addition of O2 from plants the daytime is a better way. No air-pump noise at night to deal with.

Regards,
Peter Gwee

[Aeon]

Oxygen demand at night is higher, plants, fish, bacteria, blah blah... so extra agitation is helpful. Helps to expel the unwanted CO2 out also.

[ramirezi]

My fish and plants look healthier and nicer after I added aeration. (turned on when lights (and CO2) are off).