Like an airstone? I'm guessing that's what you mean...sorry if I'm off-base as to what you are refering to!
To operate an airstone, you will need a pump, an airhose, a source of power, and a fish tank
. Airhoses are relitively inexpensive and last quite a while if treated properly. Attatch one end of the airhose to the air pump. The pump should be placed on a shelf, the tank stand itself, or on the floor. If it is placed on the floor, you will need to create a "drip loop" to prevent water from syphoning into the pump in the event of a power outage. If you don't want a drip loop, a check valve will work just as well. You can typically find in the instruction manual on the inside of the pump's box a diagram of a drip loop. You will need to plug in the cord of the pump into a wall outlet for the pump to work. At the other end of the airhose, that is where you can put your bubblestone, (aka airstone). Bubblestones can come in all shapes and sizes, but most are placed beneath the gravel on the tank's bottom. Some, however, are suspended in the tank and are not put below the gravel. When you plug in the pump, air will travel through the hose into the bubble stone and cause bubbles to come rushing up to the water surface. This will help with the gaseous exchange at the surface...helping to increase oxygen.
However, whether or not you have an airstone, you absolutely must have a filter. The filter will circulate the water and also help increase oxygen. Regardless of the type you have, filters will make your life much easier. If you don't have one, your tank will be uncycled and potentially deadly to your fish due to unstable water parameters. Carbon filters are very common, sponge filters are great for growing bb, undergravel filters conceal their appearance...and the list goes on.
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