The peaceful underwater environment of an aquarium can be further enhanced with the addition of a captivating bubble wall. Aquarium bubble walls produce a stream of air bubbles that gracefully rise up the tank wall, creating a beautiful, dynamic backdrop.
Beyond aesthetics, aquarium bubble walls also provide practical benefits like improved gas exchange and circulation. Read on to learn all about the different types of bubble wall systems, how to choose the right one, setup tips, and maintenance advice for keeping your aquarium bubble wall operating optimally.
What are Aquarium Bubble Walls?
Aquarium bubble walls, also called air curtain aquariums or bubble curtains, are decor items that produce columns of bubbles inside the tank. They consist of airline tubing with small openings or slits that release air bubbles from an air pump which rise to the surface against the wall.
This streaming trail of bubbles has an entrancing, hypnotic effect and prevents stagnant dead spots in the water. Bubble walls are entirely safe for freshwater fish, live plants, and most tank inhabitants when operated properly.
Benefits of Having an Aquarium Bubble Wall
There are several advantages to installing a bubble wall in your aquarium:
- Aesthetics – Provides a beautiful, magical underwater effect of constantly rising bubbles. This movement catches the eye.
- Oxygenation – The increased surface agitation allows for improved gas exchange which adds more dissolved oxygen to the water.
- Circulation – The upward bubble flow gently circulates the water column to avoid stagnation which can cause health issues.
- Filtration – The bubbles help pull bottom debris up into suspension where it can be removed by the main filter intake.
- Ambiance – The audible, echoing bubbles create relaxing background noise that many enjoy.
Bubble walls offer form, function and added interest for fish and aquarist alike. Now let’s explore the types available.
Types of Aquarium Bubble Walls
There are two main categories of aquarium bubble walls – external and internal:
External Bubble Walls
- Air pump is located outside the tank
- Airline tubing runs from pump over the tank trim
Internal Bubble Walls
- Air pump and airline are fully contained inside the tank
- Often combined with tank decor pieces like sunken ships
External styles are simpler for most people since installation is easier and equipment stays dry. But some prefer the self-contained convenience of internal bubble wall units.
How to Choose the Right Aquarium Bubble Wall
Consider the following when selecting a bubble wall for your freshwater aquarium:
- Aquarium Size – Longer bubble walls are needed for larger tanks for full viewing. Measure back panel width.
- Type – External or internal? Location of air pump matters for some setups over others.
- Bubble Output – Certain heavy duty models produce a thicker wall of bubbles than standard units.
- Decor – Some bubble walls incorporate decorative aquarium ornaments, like a shipwreck with built-in bubbler.
- Durability – Commercial grade rigid air tubes last longer than cheap flexible plastic tubing.
Take measurements and assess your setup so you purchase a bubble wall sized and designed properly to match your aquarium’s needs and aesthetics.
How to Install an Aquarium Bubble Wall
Installing most standard external bubble walls involves the following steps:
- Affix air pump outside tank or in a sump area. Make sure it is grounded and surge protected.
- Run airline tubing over the tank trim, securing it in place every few inches with suction cups.
- Position tubing vertically against the back wall where you want bubbles to flow.
- Make small slits or holes in the tubing at equal intervals to disperse bubbles evenly.
- Adjust pump output via valve organgulator to achieve the bubble volume you desire.
Take your time running the tubing and make clean openings for uniformed bubble dispersion. Now let’s go over keeping your bubble wall running properly.
Tips for Maintaining Your Aquarium Bubble Wall
Follow these maintenance practices for optimal bubble wall performance:
- Wipe away any algae or debris that accumulates on the airline tubing which can block bubbles.
- Clean the openings in the tubing carefully to prevent clogs which reduce bubble output.
- Check that tubing is still firmly adhered to the tank walls with suction cups and reattach if needed.
- Monitor the air pump to ensure it continues running properly and replace yearly or as needed.
- Use an air pump valve or gang valve to regulate the bubble flow as desired.
- Take apart, clean and reattach air tubing connections if bubbles become sporadic or stall.
With consistent care, your aquarium bubble wall will continue providing breathtaking visual effects and beneficial circulation for years on end.
Summary of Aquarium Bubble Wall Benefits
Aquarium bubble walls are a gorgeous addition to any fish tank that provide hypnotizing movement, improved oxygenation, and gentle circulation. When shopping for a bubble wall, decide on:
- Type – external or fully submersible internal
- Size – measure tank back wall width
- Bubble output – heavier duty pumps make denser bubble walls
Install airline tubing securely and position the openings evenly to disperse uniform bubbles. Maintain the system by cleaning algae and debris buildup promptly. Your fish will be endlessly mesmerized swimming through the shimmering bubble streams!
