Foam / Bubbles / Soap Looking - in Overflow box
- Thread starter dr exum
- Start date
Foam is often an indicator for too much unprocessed protein in the system. Therefore I would watch the fish carefully. Check for faster breathing etc and test nitrite lvls to make sure the tank is properly cycled.
Than I would check retrospectively my feedings of the last 2-3 days.
Than I would check retrospectively my feedings of the last 2-3 days.
overdosed copper few weeks back, have done 3 big water changes since then, fish have only recently stared eating
its only in overflow box, could be dead fish in there
nitrite 0
tank been running 3 years
Because proteins collect as an almost invisible film on the waters surface, when run thru the weir of an overflow box, the cascade effect sometimes separates them from the air water interface as foam, or bubbles. This fractionation usually takes a lot more agitation than in an overflow box, and is a form of natural fractionation. But.....
These proteins can glom on to other chemical species is the tank, as suggested by you previously adding the overdose of copper, that may have precipitated.
When purposely run thru a fractionation unit its no surprise.
In spring after my ponds (that sat idle all winter) caused my factionators units to run overtime, and I let the foam drip on the ground, or in buckets.
Removing those proteins (foam) is a good idea.
It is one of the reasons it is always suggested to turn off fractionation units, when using meds like copper, because (similar to carbon) fractionation is very good at removing liquid metals, and proteins.
These proteins can glom on to other chemical species is the tank, as suggested by you previously adding the overdose of copper, that may have precipitated.
When purposely run thru a fractionation unit its no surprise.
In spring after my ponds (that sat idle all winter) caused my factionators units to run overtime, and I let the foam drip on the ground, or in buckets.
Removing those proteins (foam) is a good idea.
It is one of the reasons it is always suggested to turn off fractionation units, when using meds like copper, because (similar to carbon) fractionation is very good at removing liquid metals, and proteins.
Not sure but it could just be some various fractionated gas bubbles that have collected in a calm spot.
I seem to have some bubbles of my own today.
I seem to have some bubbles of my own today.