Can Tropical Fish Live Without An Air Pump

Tropical fish can live without an air pump. Here's why...

An air pump can be used in an aquarium for a variety of reasons, some of which are - to operate a sponge filter, for aesthetic/decorative purposes or to increase the dissolved oxygen in the water using an air stone. But it isn't necessary to use an air pump to perform this last function. Provided that the surface of the water is kept well agitated using an internal or external filter, this will ensure that the dissolved oxygen is maintained at a safe level of 8 ppm or greater.