New oscar owner has ? about wet/dry sump

[nero6370]

Greetings everyone!!

I have noticed some very tiny bubbles floating in clumps on the water surface in my sump. I have seen them only in the past couple of days. I have absolutely no idea what is causing them. I am going to have my water tested at the lfs as soon as I post this; I will relay the results when I get back. In the meantime, any answers to this would most welcome. Thanks, Tom

 

[Dr Joe]

Happens all the time when I spill beer in mine...

Otherwise is there anything on the surface of the water in there? Dust / oil / algae scum?
It takes very little surface tension to make / hold a few bubbles. Sprayed anything in the air that was different than usual? Cooking sprays are a big one.

What kind of W/C's do you do?

Dr Joe

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[nero6370]

Happens all the time when I spill beer in mine...

Otherwise is there anything on the surface of the water in there? Dust / oil / algae scum?
It takes very little surface tension to make / hold a few bubbles. Sprayed anything in the air that was different than usual? Cooking sprays are a big one.

What kind of W/C's do you do?

Dr Joe

.

Hey Dr. Joe, Thanks for the quick response. I do notice a very slight, opaque film in isolated spots on the water surface. It may be dust; I don't have a cover on the sump. My thoughts were to leave it uncovered so more air can get to the bio scrubbies. I just returned from the lfs with the results from the h2o test: nitrates<5 ppm, nitrites<1.5 ppm, ammo<.25 ppm, ph is at 7. I haven't done any w/c's yet; the tank has only been running for a week now. I did'nt think I needed one just yet...

 

[rallysman]

Sounds like it's still cycling. your nitrite and ammonia should be 0
I'd hold out and see what happens when the ammo and nitrites drop.

 

[hillbilly]

I agree, sounds like it's not fully cycled. By the way, why do have to take your water to be tested? Every fish keeper should own a test kit. It is part of your basic equipment.

 

[Dr Joe]

Your correct to leave it open. I didn't realize it was so new. Just keep those things in mind.

How are you cyling it? Fish or fishless?

And I agree with Rallysman and Hillbilly let it go the distance. And while your waiting, save up for your test kit. There are alot of times you'll be wanting to test atleast daily. And it's good to make sure the lfs is doing it right too. Besides the cool factor of doing it yourself.

Keep us posted, got any pics?

Dr Joe

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[nero6370]

I am cycling the tank with my fish. The test kit is coming, probably this weekend. As far as the pics go, I figure if I keep bugging my wife enough she let me get a camera just to shut me up!!