Air lift pumps for pico reefs?

[LordJoshaeus]

Well...can they be used for reef vases/jars and similar small setups? Of course straight air lines are frequently used for this, but I was wondering if the more orderly flow such an air lift pump (like this jetlifter; http://www.swisstropicals.com/library/swisstropicals-jetlifter-cubelifter/ ...I have seen similar devices on Ebay) would produce would offer any benefits to the setup. Thanks

 

[Cory]

Yes ive seen these too. Main problem is your tank would be covered in microbubbles.

 

[LordJoshaeus]

Yes ive seen these too. Main problem is your tank would be covered in microbubbles.

I am curious...why would this device be more likely to do that than a straight air line? And would said microbubbles actually harm anything one is likely to keep in a reef jar?

 

[Cory]

I am curious...why would this device be more likely to do that than a straight air line? And would said microbubbles actually harm anything one is likely to keep in a reef jar?

No idea. The microbubbles may cause coral to slime. But it wont be much more than a visual distraction and maybe act as a skimmer at the surface . But try it, whats 15 bucks?

 

[Tamberav]

I am curious...why would this device be more likely to do that than a straight air line? And would said microbubbles actually harm anything one is likely to keep in a reef jar?

Idk how the air lift pump works but straight airline (no airstone) produces large enough bubbles that they just float to the top and provide gas exchange.

 

[fish farmer]

Idk how the air lift pump works but straight airline (no airstone) produces large enough bubbles that they just float to the top and provide gas exchange.

I bet the air lift tube could be used for directional flow, possibly creating a circular flow in a jar.

 

[LordJoshaeus]

I bet the air lift tube could be used for directional flow, possibly creating a circular flow in a jar.

That was what I was shooting for.