too much bubble foams up on water surface

[LiuHsi]

I have gotten this problem since I got rays...

i feed a lot 2 times a day, mainly shrimps.. power feeding. The filter is a 40 g w/d + 2 x ac 110... + 1 295 gph power head. for some reason, the top of the water gets a lot of bubbles... the fish are fine, eats and moves a lot... but the bubble is just weird, i have never had this before... I also have a rena 400in the tank as well.

I change water every 4 days or so about 50%... can any one tell me what might cost it and how do I fix it?

Thanks.

 

[Volenti]

Frothy bubbles can be a sign of too much protein in the water, try a protein skimmer? (even though they are normally of limited value in freshwater)

 

[CHOMPERS]

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Have you checked your water parameters?

Power feedings usually mean powerwater changes, hence you might need to increase your frequency of water changes.

 

[LiuHsi]

I noticed when i starting feeding about 30 shrimps a day for the rays.

I have arowana in the same tank, i dont know if i change water every other day will cost problem for the aro.

do you guys think is might be lack of filtration? most important, is this harmful to the fish?

thanks

 

[redtailfool]

Frothy bubbles can be a sign of too much protein in the water, try a protein skimmer? (even though they are normally of limited value in freshwater)

I agree , but i would prefer Gr8karmas method of doing water changes.

 

[LiuHsi]

I changed water last night.. this morning, there is still bubbles...

 

[duanes]

I use protein skimmers on my fresh water tanks, and they work well when too much DOC and protein is in the water. I built mine from an article in AFM by Stephen Meyer. Sounds like you need one. Here's a pic of it working.

Here's what it removes

here's a test I did in the lab to show removal in dry weight

The white pads are normal tank water the dark is 2 weeks of skimmer waste buildup dessicated, and dried in an oven. Weight is 7 Xs weight of straight tank water dried.
Here's a sample of tank water compared to 2 weeks of skimmer waste.

 

[fishdance]

If the protein is excessive, you might be able to see it as a shiny rainbow slick on the still water surface. Drop some newspaper or paper toweling onto it to blot it up and then whisk it off sideways into a bucket.

Protein skimmer is the best bet but you might be able to get away with a surface intake on your filtration since a lot of freshwater protein is lighter than water and it will have a higher concentration at the surface. Thats why the bubbles are forming and why your water changes are less effective. The protein is mostly at the water surface. You will still have to clean filters frequently though.

 

[wolfcichild027]

if your substrate is sand that contributes to frothy bubbles too