What's so bad about microbubbles?

aleonn · 09/25/2010, 01:49 AM

I was wondering why microbubbles in the display tank were bad for fish and corals? I can understand how microbubbles would kill sponges, but can't visualize their effects on other livestock.

jer77 · 09/25/2010, 04:08 AM

If you are using a large circulation pumps where water and air mix under pressure nitrogen can be absorbed into the microbubbles. Nitrogen can dissolve into fishes' bloodstreams. This only happens with large >1HP pumps, but most of the bubbles dissipate before they get to the large pump

julie180 · 09/25/2010, 07:34 AM

Purely a visual thing. Most of us want clear tanks.

jmski333 · 09/25/2010, 08:10 AM

its a visual thing and if irritates the corals by attaching to them restricting full polyp extension.

Palting · 09/25/2010, 08:27 AM

Purely a visual thing. But to me, the visual impact between pure crystal clear water vs even a slightly microbubbly tank is huge. I have crytsal clear in my 110, and the 150 is currently frustrating me wit a few microbubbles.

kendaroo · 09/25/2010, 09:19 AM

Check this out: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-01/eb/index.php

cloak · 09/25/2010, 10:19 AM

I had a small Rio pump that was so close to the waters edge that it would shoot out a burst of bubbles every 7-10 seconds or so. It kind of gave the tank a natural look IMO, kinda like waves were breaking overhead. Anyways, it was like this for years and I never had any problems.

03sonicstang · 09/25/2010, 11:08 AM

I finally eliminated the Micro Bubbles in my 180! After a good slim coat formed on the plumbing they seemed to stop. Tanks about 9 weeks old FWIW

Dustin1300 · 09/25/2010, 11:29 AM

Mostly visual but like earlier stated it can have a major affect on polyp extension.

theatrus · 09/25/2010, 11:30 AM

Polyp extensions it the primary negative concern.

Note that new tanks are inherently more bubbly than established systems. The whole "break in" period, where various things grow all over the plumbing, is real and will have a noticeable effect.

aleonn · 09/25/2010, 02:15 PM

Thanks for all the comments, and especially for the link, kendaroo. Great read!

09/25/2010, 01:49 AM	#1
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	What's so bad about microbubbles? I was wondering why microbubbles in the display tank were bad for fish and corals? I can understand how microbubbles would kill sponges, but can't visualize their effects on other livestock.

09/25/2010, 04:08 AM	#2
jer77 Phish Lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,642	If you are using a large circulation pumps where water and air mix under pressure nitrogen can be absorbed into the microbubbles. Nitrogen can dissolve into fishes' bloodstreams. This only happens with large >1HP pumps, but most of the bubbles dissipate before they get to the large pump __________________ - Jonny -, 120g 5 Year Old Reef w/ SPS, BTA, Zoos & some Softies. 40g Frag Tank. 40g Sump. Super Reef Octopus XP 3000 External Cone Skimmer. 250W Radiums. TaoTronics LED. PanWorld 200PS w/SQWD

09/25/2010, 08:10 AM	#4
jmski333 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 494	its a visual thing and if irritates the corals by attaching to them restricting full polyp extension. __________________ -Jordan- Current Tank Info: 90RR mixed reef

09/25/2010, 08:27 AM	#5
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	Purely a visual thing. But to me, the visual impact between pure crystal clear water vs even a slightly microbubbly tank is huge. I have crytsal clear in my 110, and the 150 is currently frustrating me wit a few microbubbles. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

09/25/2010, 11:30 AM	#10
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	Polyp extensions it the primary negative concern. Note that new tanks are inherently more bubbly than established systems. The whole "break in" period, where various things grow all over the plumbing, is real and will have a noticeable effect. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

09/25/2010, 07:34 AM	#3
julie180 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Raymore, MO Posts: 2,556	Purely a visual thing. Most of us want clear tanks.

09/25/2010, 09:19 AM	#6
kendaroo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 58	Check this out: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-01/eb/index.php

09/25/2010, 10:19 AM	#7
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	I had a small Rio pump that was so close to the waters edge that it would shoot out a burst of bubbles every 7-10 seconds or so. It kind of gave the tank a natural look IMO, kinda like waves were breaking overhead. Anyways, it was like this for years and I never had any problems.

09/25/2010, 11:08 AM	#8
03sonicstang Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	I finally eliminated the Micro Bubbles in my 180! After a good slim coat formed on the plumbing they seemed to stop. Tanks about 9 weeks old FWIW

09/25/2010, 11:29 AM	#9
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	Mostly visual but like earlier stated it can have a major affect on polyp extension.

09/25/2010, 02:15 PM	#11
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Thanks for all the comments, and especially for the link, kendaroo. Great read!

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