Air Stone vs. no Air Stone

[Mission Man]

When using a box or sponge filter, do you use air stones or not?  I have tried it with & without, and there are pros and cons to both.

With air stone -  Pros:  Smaller bubbles create less disturbance. More quiet.  Cons: replacing clogged air stones.

Without - Pros:  No replacing clogged stones.  Con: Mainly NOISE.

Is the O₂ absorption better or worse (or not a significant difference) with/without an air stone?

[GrizzlysDad]

Allegedly better gas exchange using the air stones.

[Ron]

Allegedly better gas exchange using the air stones.

According to the math, definitely so. More surface area and slower rise. Now, is it significant? I'm not sure.

Another benefit is less backpressure I believe (not certain and not spending time to look it up right now).

For me, I've never used airstones with sponges. I've thought about it, but never pulled the trigger. I was curious to see if there would also be a stronger pull of water through the uplift tube using air stones.

[African cichlid Keeper]

I have used air stones in my sponge filters and it personally think it better

[Mission Man]

Thanks all. I was in the slow process of making the transition to "stoneless". But if it takes stones to keep the fishy's then it worth it. Now for the next question. Does anybody know where I can buy air stones in bulk?

[African cichlid Keeper]

Thanks all. I was in the slow process of making the transition to "stoneless". But if it takes stones to keep the fishy's then it worth it. Now for the next question. Does anybody know where I can buy air stones in bulk?

http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/air-supplies/deep-blue-air-stones-100-count.html

[Mission Man]

Thanks all. I was in the slow process of making the transition to "stoneless". But if it takes stones to keep the fishy's then it worth it. Now for the next question. Does anybody know where I can buy air stones in bulk?

http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/air-supplies/deep-blue-air-stones-100-count.html

Thanks Jenna

[Ron]

Thanks all. I was in the slow process of making the transition to "stoneless". But if it takes stones to keep the fishy's then it worth it. Now for the next question. Does anybody know where I can buy air stones in bulk?

http://jehmco.com/html/air_diffusers.html

[African cichlid Keeper]

Thanks all. I was in the slow process of making the transition to "stoneless". But if it takes stones to keep the fishy's then it worth it. Now for the next question. Does anybody know where I can buy air stones in bulk?

http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/air-supplies/deep-blue-air-stones-100-count.html

Thanks Jenna

Your welcome