air inlet will this be good for oxygenation

[aspect]

One more thing. I've constructed the 11 plant setup and am almost ready to go except for medium and am having a hard time finding clay pellets. Can I use vermiculite or perlite?? Will I need to flood the system less often because of the amount of water perlite will hold ?? The pump I am using is a powerhead with an air inlet will this be good for oxygenation or is it a bad thing ??