Diffusers are yet another vital equipment for your aquarium. It is used to distribute oxygen and carbon dioxide, mainly. Where you place it is very important. To disperse substances like air, carbon dioxide and likes, there are certainly some factors to consider where to put your diffuser in your aquarium. Let’s start.

What are the Factors That May Affect The Position Of The Diffuser In Your Aquarium

It is important that the diffuser in your aquarium is placed in the right way, so your aquarium could function its best. Here are some factors that affect the position of the diffuser.

1. Purpose: If you are using your diffuser to diffuse CO2, then there is a diffuser called CO2 diffuser. The placement for different diffusers are different, as they serve different purposes. The diffuser needs to be able to divide oxygen, carbon dioxide and distribute it properly throughout the aquarium. 
2. Water: Water quality is awfully important when it comes to maintaining your aquarium. Water temperature may vary from aquarium to aquarium. If your aquarium is heated up, the solubility decreases. Hence, the water quality depends on the positioning of the diffuser, which is to place it in a way that CO2 and oxygen can dissolve effectively, regardless of the less solubility in high heat.
3. Equipment placement: Nobody likes to clutter. Decluttering any space can help the work be done more efficiently. Hence, the diffuser placement should consider the placement of equipment to avoid cluttering and complications. 
4. Results of experiment: Experimenting with various diffuser positioning is necessary to find the correct placement. That is why the diffuser placement will depend on the results of the experiment you can carry out. 
5. Visual: Aquarium is a visual treat for many people. If the diffuser is messing with the symmetry, composition and lighting of the aquarium, it is disrupting the aesthetic appeal it can reach.
6. Tank size: The main purpose of diffusers is to distribute oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently. For a larger capacity tank, more than one diffuser may be needed while for smaller tanks, diffusers have to be placed in a manner that does not cause turbulence to the aquarium inhabitants. 
7. Sensitive inhabitants: Misplacement of the diffuser can affect the fish and other inhabitants, especially fish who are sensitive. Examples include fish with delicate fins, fancy fish such as Orandas, introverted fish, and shrimps like Crystal Red shrimps are sensitive and would be affected by the misplacement of diffusers greatly.
8. Temperature requirements: Diffusers can cause evaporation. Air stones, for example, can cause the water temperature to go down, which could affect the inhabitants. Hence, it is important to place the diffuser according to the inhabitants’ temperature requirements.
9. Tank depth: Not only the size, but the tank depth also matters when it comes to placing diffusers. Especially if the carbon dioxide distribution is crucial, it is important you place your diffuser at the bottom for a deeper tank.
10. Dead spots: Dead spots are places where water interacts and circulates the least. A very worthwhile idea is to place your diffusers in those dead spots to evenly distribute oxygen and carbon dioxide. 

Protips

• Spend some time observing the water flow to best decide where to put your diffuser.
• Use your aquascape to your advantage and hide your diffuser behind it, for an aesthetic tone to your aquarium.
• Keep the diffuser from directly contacting sensitive inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)

Is it okay to move the diffuser after placing it in one place?

Yes, and it is encouraged to move your diffuser when you find a better place for it than the current one. However, do consider the factors beforehand. 

How far should the diffuser be from the sensitive inhabitants?

Certainly, it depends on the water tolerance the fish have. Creating a buffer zone can help the diffuser be far enough from the sensitive inhabitants. 

Is diffuser placement different for different aquariums?

Yes, diffuser placement is different for different aquariums, depending on the CO2 and oxygen distribution needed, as some aquariums need more CO2 than oxygen, while others need an even distribution. 

Conclusion

Aquariums can be a lot of work, but a little bit of work can go a long way. Finding the right place for your air diffusers can make a great deal of difference in the aquarium quality.