You can get oxygen into a tank primarily through methods that increase surface agitation and gas exchange between the air and the water.
Here's a breakdown of common and effective ways:
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Air Pump and Air Stone/Diffuser: This is a very common method. An air pump forces air through a tube connected to an air stone or diffuser placed in the tank. The air stone breaks the air into tiny bubbles, increasing the surface area exposed to the water. This enhances the diffusion of oxygen from the bubbles into the water. More bubbles mean more oxygen transfer.
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Water Changes: When you perform a water change, you're adding fresh water that is typically saturated with oxygen. Large water changes can significantly increase the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the tank.
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Powerheads and Wave Makers: These devices create water movement within the tank, which increases surface agitation and helps to dissolve oxygen. Aiming a powerhead towards the surface creates ripples and facilitates gas exchange.
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Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filters and Canister Filters: These filters agitate the water surface as the filtered water returns to the tank. The splashing and movement help oxygen dissolve.
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Manually Stirring the Water: While not ideal as a long-term solution, manually stirring the water surface can temporarily increase oxygen levels, especially in emergency situations.
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Fan: Placing a fan near the water surface can increase evaporation, which also increases oxygen dissolution.
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Live Plants: In planted aquariums, live plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis during daylight hours. This helps maintain oxygen levels naturally. It is important to note that at night, plants consume oxygen, so it's important to have adequate surface agitation as well.
In summary, increasing surface agitation and water movement are the key principles to effectively oxygenate a tank. Choosing the best method depends on the size and type of tank, the inhabitants, and the overall setup.
