OVAS

Aquarist Forums => Saltwater General Discussions => Topic started by: Darth on January 20, 2008, 08:30:02 PM

Title: air bubbles over everything
Post by: Darth on January 20, 2008, 08:30:02 PM
as the topic says, everyday I come home there are little air bubbles over everything, my glass my rocks, any surface they can adhere to.
I have to scrape them off the glass and tap the rocks to loosen them and get rid of them, it's driving me crazy, any clues??
Title: Re: air bubbles pver everything
Post by: shutterbuggy on January 20, 2008, 08:41:43 PM
Did you change the lighting recently?
Title: Re: air bubbles pver everything
Post by: Darth on January 20, 2008, 08:59:16 PM
yes I upgraded to 2 2 X24 watt t-5 High Output running 2 blue and 2 white
Title: Re: air bubbles over everything
Post by: shutterbuggy on January 20, 2008, 09:46:57 PM
"..."microbubbles" are produced by photosynthesis, and this is especially the case in highly illuminated environments."

When you intensify the amount of light on a system, this tends to happen as the amount of photosynthesis increases.  When I introduced a 400 MH to my tank (previously it was being lit by a couple of HO) everyday these microbubbles would form.  Typically they were at their peak at about 4-5 pm, about half way through my "daylight time."  Eventually they will diminish over time as the tank stabilizes itself under the new lighting.  Here is an article that deals with it (myth #14).

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

HTH

Title: Re: air bubbles over everything
Post by: shutterbuggy on January 20, 2008, 09:48:28 PM
Ohh and BTW-- microbubbles are not harmful to reef systems (thats the myth) and are naturally occurring in the reefs all over the world.
Title: Re: air bubbles over everything
Post by: Darth on January 20, 2008, 10:15:15 PM
Thanks a lot guys I appreciate the help