Oxygen (O2) is the elixir of life in every aquarium. However, conventional air pumps often have significant disadvantages: they hum in the living room, expel valuable plant fertilizer (CO2), and immediately fail in the event of a power outage.
The solution to this problem is a true classic in aquatics: the Söchting Oxydator. This ingenious piece of technology produces pure oxygen – completely silently, without cables, and without an external power supply. In this guide, you will learn how the Oxydator is constructed, how to dose it correctly, and why it is indispensable, especially for shrimp tanks and during vacation periods.
Construction: What parts make up an Oxydator?
Although the system seems like magic, the Söchting Oxydator is based on a simple and extremely reliable chemical principle. Essentially, it consists of four components:
- The acrylic container: This transparent vessel is filled with the special Oxydator solution (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2).
- The ceramic base: It serves as a heavy stand on the substrate and simultaneously acts as a fine-pored diffuser, ensuring that oxygen is released evenly into the water.
- The reaction stone: A small special catalyst that is placed in the liquid container and initiates the reaction.
- The stopper: It connects the container to the ceramic base and allows the accumulating pressure to escape in a controlled manner.
Functionality: How is oxygen produced?
As soon as the reaction stone comes into contact with the Oxydator solution in the container, a catalytic process begins: the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is continuously split into water (H2O) and elemental oxygen (O2).
Due to the resulting gas pressure, the solution is slowly forced downwards through the ceramic base. Upon exit, the special ceramic completely splits the remaining solution into activated oxygen and water. The result is an extremely fine micro-oxygen perlation that distributes optimally throughout the entire tank.
Using the Söchting Oxydator correctly: Dosage and stones
In aquaristics – especially in the nano and invertebrate sector – the Söchting Oxydator Mini is the absolute standard. The intensity of oxygen release is easily controlled by the number of reaction stones used:
- 1 reaction stone: Ideal for small aquariums and nano cubes up to approx. 30 liters.
- 2 reaction stones: Perfect for aquariums up to approx. 60 liters or for heavily stocked tanks with higher oxygen requirements.
Note: For significantly larger aquariums, there is also the Oxydator D (up to approx. 100 liters) as well as models A and W for large aquariums and ponds. However, for the classic shrimp aquarium, the Mini model is the most flexible and popular choice.
The perfect companion for vacation time
Those who travel often worry about the technology in their aquarium. Here, the Söchting Oxydator shows its absolute strengths:
- No power requirement: If the power goes out during your vacation, the Oxydator continues to run unimpressed and ensures the survival of your animals.
- Long operating time: Once filled, one filling, depending on water temperature and the number of stones, lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. You can go on vacation relaxed, while your aquarium is continuously supplied with oxygen.
Advantages over conventional air pumps
| Advantage | What this means in the aquarium |
|---|---|
| Activated oxygen | The oxygen distributes significantly better in the water due to the fine perlation than coarse air bubbles and reaches even deeper areas in the substrate. |
| No CO2 expulsion | Since no wild gas mixture is swirled through the water, the important plant fertilizer CO2 remains in the water. |
| Pollutant breakdown & germ reduction | Activated oxygen helps to oxidize pollutants and germs in the water. This ensures a low germ density – ideal for sensitive shrimp species. |
| Emergency reserve & vacation protection | If the power goes out or you are on vacation for several weeks, the supply continues silently and reliably. |
Söchting Oxydator Mini
We are absolute fans of this system! The Söchting Oxydator Mini is compact, discreet in design, and requires no maintenance other than an occasional refilling of the Oxydator solution. Perfect for nano aquariums and shrimp tanks.
Conclusion: Silent life insurance for your aquarium
A stable oxygen supply is the backbone of a healthy aquarium. The Söchting Oxydator reliably protects your animals from oxygen deficiency, supports filter biology, and works completely silently and without electricity.
With its simple dosing via the reaction stones (1 stone for 30L, 2 stones for 60L) and its long operating time, it is the perfect choice for everyday use and vacation periods.
