Air bubbles = Gloomy water

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Angler

Angler

Polypterus
MFK Member
May 8, 2007
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My 125 always has millions of tiny bubbles, and it makes my water look gloomy. I assume that these bubbles have to come from one of my filters. I have two XP3s and an Emperor (the big double one).

Does anyone have this problem with these filters? Any suggestions on a way to get rid of the bubbles?
 
You wont be getting the bubbles from the E400...they don't work that way but it's possible that a small air leak in the canister could be causing it. Always use a quick spray of PAM on the O-rings any time you open a canister and check all of your connections. You might also want to do a good gravil vac.
 
Yup I agree.
You can also get air trapped in the tubes if they're slightly clogged or you have a lot of algae growth in them. Make sure there's no kinks in the tubes either.

I'm assuming you don't have any bubble wands or air stones near your intakes, so I doubt that's a problem.
 
ShadowBass;1275008; said:
Yup I agree.
You can also get air trapped in the tubes if they're slightly clogged or you have a lot of algae growth in them. Make sure there's no kinks in the tubes either.

I'm assuming you don't have any bubble wands or air stones near your intakes, so I doubt that's a problem.
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I do a 50% water change once a week, and the bubbles never go away. There is algae in the tubes, but could there really be enough air trapped to continuously create the bubbles? How do I clean the algae, especially the algae that is further towards the middle of the tube?

bigspizz;1277016; said:
Do you use stress coat?
Click to expand...

I use Seachem Prime. Why?
 
Stupid question...Your sure it's bubbles? Not algae or other particulate matter. Had to ask.

Shut the systems down for five minutes, do bubbles rise and go away? yes? Start one cannister up, bubble? Yes? you found it, no? shut it down and start the other one. Bubbles? Yes, you found it, no, shut in down and move on to the the third filter , it's doubtful a HOB will do this BUT your running out of options. Don't leave any filter off for more than 20 minutes.

Seems like a small leak on the inlet side (if the outlet side you would see water leaking) of the cannister filter(s). A little silicone around each joint in the system should clear it up. And the silicone will peel off when necessary.

Good Luck & Let us know what you find,

Dr Joe

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Dr Joe;1277284; said:
Stupid question...Your sure it's bubbles? Not algae or other particulate matter. Had to ask.

Shut the systems down for five minutes, do bubbles rise and go away? yes? Start one cannister up, bubble? Yes? you found it, no? shut it down and start the other one. Bubbles? Yes, you found it, no, shut in down and move on to the the third filter , it's doubtful a HOB will do this BUT your running out of options. Don't leave any filter off for more than 20 minutes.

Seems like a small leak on the inlet side (if the outlet side you would see water leaking) of the cannister filter(s). A little silicone around each joint in the system should clear it up. And the silicone will peel off when necessary.

Good Luck & Let us know what you find,

Dr Joe

.
Click to expand...

Indeed, not a stupid question. I did what you suggested, and my "bubbles" did not start to dissapear! Due to my tank maintenance, and the appearance of the particles, I know it is not waste or food or anything like that.

I guess maybe algae, like you suggested? I thought algae turned the color of the water. I did not know it could appear like millions of tiny particles. I have problems with algae growth on the glass. The tank is in a very bright room, and I have been wanting to put blinds up.

I stared long and hard at these particles, considering the possibility that they might be something other than bubbles, but I still came to the conclusion that they looked like bubbles! Could I really have mistaken algae for bubbles?

If it is indeed algae, will it go away easily after I put blinds up and do water changes?

Also, if it is algae, is it bad for my fish?
 
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