Surface Aggitation

[helix13]

now that I have added my new Xp3 to my tank, it brought up another question for everyone.
The single nozzle of this filter is providing less surface aggitation due to the fact that it is now under the suface by a few inches. I have yet to try the Spray bar but wanted to ask for some advice before changing the plumbing.
How much aggitation should any tank have? Falling water with a splashing effect or would a slight ripple in the surface do the trick? Is the purpose only for adding O2 for the little guys or is this to release gases trapped in the water?

[DanRad]

The main concern is getting O2 into the water, though releasing other gases mostly occurs via the surface as well. IME, having the filter return under the waterline a couple of inches isn't enough -- depending of course on the dimensions of the tank, the number, size, and species of the fish, etc. Whether it's a waterfall effect or a spraybar or a bubblewand causing the surface agitation doesn't matter so much. The main thing is that the agitation needs to happen.

[cichlidfish]

Yea, slow small ripples may not be enough but it greatly depends on the water temperature (you need more for a tank at 84F than one at 72F, especially taking into consideration the increased metabolic rate already requiring 'more, not less oxygen' and resulting organic oxygen-killing waste pollution) and how much air you're pumping through air-stones etc...in fact the air-stones should likely cause some surface water movement also, I usually make sure to use a couple of good air-pumps on a tank, not just one puny inefficient one just for looks