Bubbles, bubbles everywhere!

[saltwater_wannabe]

I don't know if I should worry or not, but in the last 2 months, small bubbles have started to appear in different spots in my tank. They have been showing up mostly on the back glass and on the powerhead, but last night I noticed a few on the liverock. I shouold also mention that there has been a very thin "filmy layer" with bubbles on top of the water.

My tank has been running for over a year with FOWLR and I have just added my first "non-fish" resident; a Condy Anemone.

I do not have a Protein Skimmer running, but I wonder if that is what is building up?


Any help would be great!

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28947

[Geoff]

you have protein building up. i would suggest getting a good protein skimmer. what size tank do you have? do you have a sump or will a Hang On Back skimmer be needed.

the protein skimmer will remove these proteins that are building up. that film you are starting to see is cyano bacteria forming. there are a few causes of this, but protein build up is one of them.

when you do get a protein skimmer you will also want to get some aggitation going at the waters surface. this will break up the protein on the surface and allow the protein skimmer to remove it.

G~

[saltwater_wannabe]

I currently have a 46g bowfront with (I think) good water movement. I'm a little scared about purchasing a protien skimmer because I have NO idea what I'm looking for.

I don't want to spend too much, but I would like a quality piece since this is going to be my Reef Tank for quite a while.

[Geoff]

a lot of people like this one. it is rated up to a 75g tank. that means it should be about right for your 46.

do you have waves on the waters surface? i like to have at least 1/4" waves over the entire waters surface. helps in gas exchange also.

BTW-check you PM's (private messages)

G~