Will Aquarium Air Pumps Affect the Growth of Water Plants?

When creating a vibrant aquarium ecosystem, the healthy growth of water plants is a core concern for many fish lovers. However, as an important device for maintaining oxygen balance in the water, will the Aquarium Air Pump have a negative impact on water plants?
The contradiction between air pumps and water plant growth: the game between oxygen and carbon dioxide
The main function of the air pump is to increase the dissolved oxygen content in the water through bubble release, which is essential for the survival of fish and nitrifying bacteria. However, when water plants perform photosynthesis under light, they need to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the water and release oxygen. If the air pump continues to run, the following problems may occur:
CO₂ concentration decreases: The air pump stirs the water surface to accelerate gas exchange, which may cause the CO₂ required for photosynthesis of water plants to escape into the air, especially in the grass tank with liquid carbon source added, the loss of CO₂ will reduce the growth efficiency of water plants.
Water flow impact interference: Some air pumps have too much power, and the violent rise of bubbles may wash the leaves of water plants, affecting their morphological development.
Air pumps are not "water plant killers": scientific use can resolve contradictions
Despite the potential impact, the rational use of air pumps will not harm water plants, but can optimize the fish tank environment:
Oxygen supply is safer at night: water plants stop photosynthesis and consume oxygen in a dark environment. Turning on the air pump at this time can prevent fish from hypoxia.
Matched with low disturbance design: Choose an air pump with an airflow regulating valve (such as the silent variable frequency air pump of XX brand), which can control the bubbles to be delicate and soft, and reduce CO₂ escape.
Balance ecological needs: In a grass tank where high-oxygen-consuming fish (such as goldfish and koi) are raised, the air pump can prevent organisms from competing with plants for oxygen, achieving a win-win situation.
How to determine whether your grass tank needs an air pump?
Evaluate the necessity of the air pump through the following indicators:
Fish density: High-density breeding requires oxygen supplementation by air pumps, but it is recommended to set a separate "oxygenation period" instead of turning it on 24 hours a day.
Types of water plants: Negative water plants (such as moss and water fig) have low CO₂ requirements and are more compatible with air pumps; for positive water plants, it is recommended to use an external refiner to replenish CO₂ in a directional manner.
Surface flow of water: Observe the thickness of the oil film on the water surface - the surface fluctuations generated by the air pump can naturally remove the oil film and reduce the light obstruction to the water plants.