What Does Oxygen Have to Do with My Marine Aquarium

We all know how important oxygen, here on earth, is with regards to the plethora of living organisms that require oxygen and would not be able to function without it, ultimately death would be the final outcome. Their are ways of having too much dissolved oxygen in tank water, or not enough. Proper ways to maintaining optimal levels as close to the saturation point for dissolved oxygen can be incorporated very easily into any aquarists daily ritual. Optimal oxygen levels and the maintaining of this crucial component as close to the saturation level is exemplary.

I will present ways of focusing on oxygen and affording you the tools to ensure your oxygen level is ideal. What negative ramifications can be seen, under less than optimal dissolved oxygen within a marine aquarium will also be discussed.

Oxygen that is present in water is called dissolved oxygen or DO for short. Oxygen enters the water via various ways. The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) across the air-water interface being the main source. As oxygen enters the water, carbon dioxide is removed. The air-surface interface is nothing more than the waters surface at the top of your tank. There are three main ways for oxygen to be replenished in an aquarium. The presence of a powerhead or other device causing a rippling effect across the waters surface will help to ensure that a steady influx of oxygen is generated into your aquarium. Another way that oxygen can be added to your tank is by incorporating algae or other plant life which will provide beneficial oxygen through photosynthesis. The last way is through the use of a protein skimmer(foam fractionator) and/or air stone/air pump combination. The creation of micro bubbles provided by the skimmer and air pump will also aid in the formation of oxygen within the confines of your aquarium.