The Betta Aquarium Air Curtain creates a continuous line of bubbles, providing an attractive bubble effect while helping to increase water movement and surface agitation within the aquarium.
Made from flexible rubber, the air curtain can be positioned along the back of the aquarium or shaped around rocks and other decorations, making it easy to incorporate into your aquascape.
Available in 30cm, 45cm and 60cm lengths, each air curtain connects to standard 4/6mm aquarium airline and requires a suitable air pump.
Improving Aquarium Aeration
Good oxygen levels are essential for fish and the beneficial bacteria responsible for biological filtration.
An air curtain helps by circulating water towards the surface and creating surface agitation. This encourages efficient gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the water while carbon dioxide escapes.
Additional aeration can be particularly useful during hot weather, as warmer water is capable of holding less dissolved oxygen than cooler water. It can also be beneficial in heavily stocked aquariums or whenever additional surface movement is required.
Choosing an Air Pump
The longer the air curtain, the greater the amount of air required to produce an even stream of bubbles along its entire length.
For good performance, the recommended approximate air outputs are:
30cm Air Curtain – 3 litres per minute 45cm Air Curtain – 4.5 litres per minute 60cm Air Curtain – 6 litres per minute
Remember that air pump performance decreases as operating depth increases, so deeper aquariums may require a more powerful pump.
How to Install an Aquarium Air Curtain
Connect the air curtain to a suitable aquarium air pump using standard 4/6mm aquarium airline, position it where required and then switch on the air pump.
The flexible construction allows the curtain to be gently shaped around rocks and decorations rather than having to remain completely straight.
If your air pump is positioned below the water level of the aquarium, we strongly recommend installing a non-return valve in the airline. This helps prevent aquarium water siphoning backwards towards the air pump if the power is switched off or interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an aquarium air curtain do? An air curtain produces a line of bubbles rather than the concentrated stream created by a conventional air stone. The rising bubbles encourage water movement and surface agitation while also creating an attractive bubble-wall effect.
Does an air curtain add oxygen to the aquarium? Yes, although most oxygenation occurs through gas exchange at the surface rather than directly from the bubbles themselves. An air curtain circulates water and disturbs the surface, helping oxygen enter the aquarium more efficiently.
What size air pump do I need? The required output depends on both the length of the air curtain and the depth of the aquarium. As a guide, allow approximately 3 L/min for 30cm, 4.5 L/min for 45cm and 6 L/min for 60cm.
Can I bend an aquarium air curtain? Yes. These Betta Air Curtains are flexible and can be gently shaped around rocks and other aquarium decorations.
Can I use an air curtain during hot weather? Yes. Additional aeration can be particularly useful during warmer weather because rising water temperatures reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen the water can hold.
Why is my air curtain only bubbling at one end? Insufficient airflow is a common cause. Check that your air pump provides enough output for the length of curtain and operating depth. Also check the airline for kinks or restrictions.
Do I need a non-return valve? If the air pump is positioned below the aquarium water level, we strongly recommend one. A non-return valve helps prevent water siphoning backwards through the airline towards the pump.
Directions for use: Connect air stone to air line and the other air line to the pump. turn on pump and submerge ball in the water. If air pump is al a lower point than the air stone, a non-return valve needs to be fitted.
Sizes Available: 30cm, 45cm and 60cm
If you have any questions about this Air Curtains and whether it’s the right product for your pond or aquarium, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.
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