Ever since reading
- (03-05-2008, 06:32 AM ) RIP to my tangs by "Executivelevel," I have been much thinking about the possibility of losing a skimmer or return pump for period of time without knowing or noticing, resulting in a major tank disaster.
It is not a matter of "if" they fail, but "when." Someday they will, if not not regularly maintained or even replaced over time. Depending on failure time, it may not be recognized for a considerable period.
And as Tangster says, it is almost guaranteed a failure will occur at most inconvenient time - holiday, weekend, LFS on vacation...etc. - (have backup, or at least backup impellers!)
A power failure is a fairly predictable occurrence and can be anticipated and prepared for.
But a pump failure -
Given that I want to take every precaution possible to protect my tanks and their inhabitants from any possible adverse contingency that I can control, (of which there are many, as opposed to few I can't) - I will take any action I can think of, no matter how minimal, that may provide an extra margin of "insurance" for my reefs.
In each tank I have emergency poweroff battery operated air pumps to help protect tank oxygen levels in event of a power failure till I can get backup system in place.
I have also run a air stone full time in sump and in rear chamber of Nano for extra aeration, if needed or not. (believe it saved much of my livestock in a overtemp problem in main tank recently)
So based on above mentioned post, thought comes to me, why not run air stone in main display in both large tank and Nano instead of sump or in rear chamber???
Have rarely have heard this mentioned, the benefits seem obvious to me.
As long as I am running them anyway, why not put them in place where they may help save tank till I can get to it if a pump fails.
Also after doing so, I noticed a visible increase in water clarity level.
(My skunk cleaner shrimp loves playing in and riding up and down in "bubbles")
Placed in rear of tank, it in no way appears obtrusive or visually distracting.
Especially important in Nano as it is covered, and I have no skimmer and little faith in the wimpy pump it comes with to operate reliably for long period, outport sometimes plugs and have always questioned if there is enough aeration going on in tank, hence why I added air stone to rear chamber when first starting up. - would do no good if any of the above events occur.
So for me, was simply moving location of air stone.
Only adverse reasons for doing so I can think of:
Takes a small investment in pumps.
Minor increase in electricity demand.
Maybe some salt creep if located directly under low light.
Some tank keepers may think looks "unnatural" - (I could care less -
-if it serves a valid purpose)
Benefits:
May save tank and everything in it in event of pump failure.
Increased water clarity.
Extra aeration, if needed or not. (can't hurt)
Helps eliminate "surface scum"
Up to you, but my advice is add an air stone to main display.
"Whisper" air pumps are both very quiet and cheap at local Petco.
"Whisper Air Pump"
The unique patented dome shape actually flattens sound waves, while thick walls, noise dampening chambers, wide rubber feet and a suspended pump motor make the Whisper air pump among the quietest on the market. All this while the pump's diaphragm produces the considerable air flow needed to drive sponge, undergravel and internal filters, protein skimmers and action ornaments. Life insurance for your fish- the bubbles go ON when the power goes OFF! This battery powered air pump is a must for your precious aquarium fish. The pump automatically turns on when it detects no A.C. electricity, providing your fish with life-saving aeration during a power-outage.
($9.89 at
AquariumGuys)
(I have one of these in both Main and Nano Tanks)
Provide all the protection you can, and hopefully the great Reef God will provide the rest...
Rgds,
Scott
Air Stone in Tank? 
Currently no 
but you know me I'll suck it up and drop the dough sooner than my checkbook says I should!!
