Why are micro bubbles bad?

[manowar669]

I see lots of threads where reduction in microbubbles is a concern. Lots of products (skimmers, et al) say "reduced microbubbles" on them. What's the concern. Would it have to do with the bubbles carrying proteins to the surface?
I'm sure there are tons of bubbles in and around reefs, especially at low tide and during storms.

I just got a Bak-Pak II last nite, and I have a lot of microbubbles going into the tank. I'm just wondering why this is a problem, other than aesthetics.

[Reefscape]

The only time micro-bubbles "could" become a problem is if air pockets start to form from a large ammount of micro bubbles in the tank, on for example, a polyp...or a fish injests too much, it, i suppose "could" cause problems theoretically.

However, i have yet to see, read, hear "any" scientific infomation which backs this up or proves that micro-bubbles can have a negative effect on a reef or its inhabitants besides the aeisthetics point of view..

Just my thoughts, read them as you will..

Niko

[clown-lover]

For me it was a purely asthetics thing. I did do some research on this way back when I started and couldn't find a definative answer. What I do know is that those microbubbles caused more salt creep on my system than after I got rid of them. I have almost no salt creep anymore.

So really it boiled down to removing what I considered to be a PITA.

[Fishieness]

yeah. it's asthetics. but i have seen them harm/annoy corals enough to stop opening if they were directly in the line of fire.

[Sploke]

The only organism I know of that bubbles can cause serious health problems in is sponges. I've heard they can be irritating to corals as well.

[Grynox]

I don't believe they are bad.

Have you ever seen underwater pictures of wave action in the ocean or been snorkeling on a reef? Like these below...

http://www.aims.gov.au/monmap/aesthetics/HK01226_big.jpg

http://www.cornforthimages.com/galleries/Underwater-Marine/Horizontal/Green%20Sea%20Turtle%20&%20Wave_Na%20Pali%20Coast,%20Kauai,%20Hawaii.jpg


Basically all you see is a lot of bubbles and microbubbles churning up the entire area. And where do those waves break? Usually overtop of reefs. And where do many of our fish and coral species thrive? Yep, on those same reefs.

I think microbubbles are basically something we personally don't like marring our views in aquariums...but I don't believe they are bad for the inhabitants.

[Grins]

yeah. it's asthetics. but i have seen them harm/annoy corals enough to stop opening if they were directly in the line of fire.


Agreed, my pagoda cup gets peeved if microbubbles start getting in the display. For the most part though the microbbubles just make the clarity poor in the display.

[starla]

Ok so bubbles is ok then I noticed this morning that I have bubbles at the top of my tank. I don't like it but its ok?

[Reefscape]

Ok so bubbles is ok then I noticed this morning that I have bubbles at the top of my tank. I don't like it but its ok?

Yes, it is ok.... :)

[Grins]

Yes, but are these bubbles from turbulance or from excess waste/proteins on the surface?

[starla]

Hi Grins, they are from turbulence, I moved a power head yesterday and this morning had bubbles, I have since adjusted it and the bubbles are gone.

thanks!
starla

[WoodRight]

When I turned on the pump for the first time in my new setup I had tons of micro bubbles. It seemed that the water rushing down the overflow pipe was gurgling so much it was bringing allot of air with it to the sump. It was like a hot tub in the sump. The bubbles in turn passed threw the first chamber into the second chamber pass the bubble trap and threw the return pump. The pump made them even smaller and blew them into the display tank. What I did was adjust the ball valve I have before the outlet going into the sump to make the water back up in the overflow pipe just enough to make a solid column of water in the pipe and the bubbles stop. the trick is to have it stay at the same level in the pipe. Now there isn't ever any bubbles anywhere in the setup other then when it needs to be topped off. the water that pours over the bubble trap makes some bubbles and those go up to the main tank but only if the water is really low.

[Robin Alv]

I did a water change today and now have a ton of micro bubbles coming from my skimmer. Why is that? I keep trying to readjust the skimmer (it was taking out too much water - the cup was 3/4 full in about 6 hours) but the bubbles remain. It was off for approximately 2 minutes while a did the water change. Can I get rid of the bubbles?