Can I get rid of my airstone?

[Submariner]

I just installed a Aquaclear 50 (200ghp) on my 20 gal FW. It is quite a bit more powerful than the filter I had before, and creates a lot more surface agitation. Even when my tank is full, the water still falls far enough to create splashing.

So my question is: Is my airstone not needed? How do you know if you are getting enough gas exchange with just your filter? I'd like to get rid of the pump, tubing and airstone. It's just more noise and more clutter in the tank.

 

[FishGeek]

Well I dont know reasons or specifics but I do know that airstones are not generally needed when the tank is filtered. I think that you would be fine without the airstone.

 

[Submariner]

I'm going to try taking it out tomorrow- I noticed that the filter is producing just as many bubbles at the surface as the airstone.

 

[Orion]

If you see your fish at the surface 'gasping' for air, then you'll know that not enough gas exchange is going on. You should be fine on your tank.