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White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Tue May 06, 2025 11:16 pm
by novafx
Noticed a bunch of white bubbles forming on the surface of my 20 gallon tank. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Running a sponge filter and a HOB. Any ideas what's causing this?
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Tue May 06, 2025 11:26 pm
by rizonix
White bubbles on the surface usually indicate excess protein or organic waste. How often are you doing water changes? Also, what's your feeding routine like? Overfeeding can contribute to this issue.
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 12:13 am
by vagabond
I've seen this before in my tank. It's kinda sketchy, but adding a surface skimmer helped clear it up. You might wanna try that if it doesn't go away on its own.
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 1:52 am
by tasteful
rizonix wrote: ↑Tue May 06, 2025 11:26 pm
White bubbles on the surface usually indicate excess protein or organic waste. How often are you doing water changes? Also, what's your feeding routine like? Overfeeding can contribute to this issue.
Yep, agree with this. I'd also check your filter media. If it's clogged, it won't process waste efficiently. What's your substrate situation?
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 2:19 am
by dazed_knots
Had the same thing happen last month. Turned out my filter was due for a cleaning. Gonna sound weird, but have you added any new fish or plants recently? Sometimes they bring in extra organics.
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 2:38 am
by jackgulf
Surface agitation can help break up those bubbles. What's your flow like? If it's too low, the bubbles just sit there. Also, what kind of fish are in there? Some species are messier than others.
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 3:19 am
by novafx
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll try cleaning the filter and maybe cut back on feeding for a bit. Appreciate the help!
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 4:25 am
by Habit
Yeah, I'd chill on the feeding for a few days. Sometimes it's just a temporary thing. Let us know if it clears up.
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 5:32 am
by folix
My tank did this once after I added a new piece of driftwood. It stopped after a week. Maybe something similar is happening here?
Re: White bubbles on tank surface
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 7:24 am
by knightx
Check your water conditioner. Some brands can cause surface bubbles if overdosed. What are you using?