A lot of freshwater aquarium owners tend to overlook the importance of
water movement. Current, however, is essential to feeding the aquarium's
inhabitants, offering proper nutrition; it also cleans and regulates the
water. The actual movement regulates temperature, moves stagnant water and
offers a more pleasant experience for the fish.
Aquariums with poor water movement develop "dead spots" where organic
debris begins to settle, making an ideal environment for unwanted algae to
develop. It also hinders biological filtration, which in turn, throws the
nitrogen cycle out of harmony, making toxin levels rise, becoming
potentially dangerous. When this occurs, the water also becomes very
unpleasant looking.
As water circulates throughout the aquarium, it causes events that are
beneficial to the fish. Heat is evenly distributed for stable water
temperature, debris and particles are stirred up and removed through
mechanical filtration, and efficient gas exchange at the water surface
releases carbon dioxide and gains oxygen to help maintain pH level and
oxygenate the water. The resistance caused by the currents offer physical
health advantages; it also delivers fresh, oxygen-rich water.
One of the easiest ways to supplement water movement within your fresh or
saltwater aquarium is with the addition of a powerhead or switching current
water director. A powerhead can also be connected to a wavemaker to create
a more dynamic system.