Air Bubbles on Sand Bed

vitodog · 09/11/2010, 05:28 PM

I've noticed in the last week or so, air bubbles on the top of my sand bed as well as on my live rock. Is this something I should be concerned about?

HighlandReefer · 09/11/2010, 06:00 PM

The air bubbles are most likely the result of micro-organisms like algae growing on your rock. As these organisms photosynthesize to acquire nutrients they release oxygen which is what you see. If it is a pest algae then scrubbing your rock would be best to keep it from growing and becoming a nuisance to allow coralline algae to grow instead. You will want to keep your nitrate and phosphate readings at zero. Cleaning your sandbed weekly will reduce nutrients trapped in it & prevent it from becoming a nitrate & phosphate factory.

vitodog · 09/11/2010, 06:29 PM

Thanks for the quick response HighlandReefer. I tested for phosphates utilizing the Hanna Instruments "Checker" about 3 days ago and got a reading of 0.00. I also tested for nitrates utilizing a API test kit and also got a reading of 0. I think you might be on to something regarding the sand bed though. I don't usually clean my sand bed while doing water changes and I do weekly W/C's on my 90 gal. (7 gal.). I was, for some reason, under the impression that you should not disturb the sand bed. I have a sinking feeling that I may have been wrong about that. However, I will be conducting a W/C on Monday and will attempt to clean the sand bed. Thank you.

HighlandReefer · 09/11/2010, 06:46 PM

As long as it is not a deep sand bed, say 4" or more, cleaning the debris out is best. A deep sandbed, I would only clean the top layer of it to keep the nutrients out.

bertoni · 09/11/2010, 10:22 PM

I wouldn't clean the sand bed on a regular basis if you want it to perform filtration, or keep sandbed animals alive. Other than that, cleaning is fine.

vitodog · 09/12/2010, 06:12 AM

Thanks Guys, will do.

bertoni · 09/12/2010, 04:25 PM

You're welcome! Good luck!

09/11/2010, 05:28 PM	#1
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	Air Bubbles on Sand Bed I've noticed in the last week or so, air bubbles on the top of my sand bed as well as on my live rock. Is this something I should be concerned about?

09/11/2010, 06:00 PM	#2
HighlandReefer Team RC Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highland, Maryland Entomologist Posts: 14,591	The air bubbles are most likely the result of micro-organisms like algae growing on your rock. As these organisms photosynthesize to acquire nutrients they release oxygen which is what you see. If it is a pest algae then scrubbing your rock would be best to keep it from growing and becoming a nuisance to allow coralline algae to grow instead. You will want to keep your nitrate and phosphate readings at zero. Cleaning your sandbed weekly will reduce nutrients trapped in it & prevent it from becoming a nitrate & phosphate factory. __________________ Cliff Babcock Intestests: Digital Microscopy; Marine Pest Control; Marine Plants & Macroalgae Current Tank Info: 180 g. mixed reef system

09/11/2010, 06:46 PM	#4
HighlandReefer Team RC Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highland, Maryland Entomologist Posts: 14,591	As long as it is not a deep sand bed, say 4" or more, cleaning the debris out is best. A deep sandbed, I would only clean the top layer of it to keep the nutrients out. __________________ Cliff Babcock Intestests: Digital Microscopy; Marine Pest Control; Marine Plants & Macroalgae Current Tank Info: 180 g. mixed reef system

09/11/2010, 10:22 PM	#5
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I wouldn't clean the sand bed on a regular basis if you want it to perform filtration, or keep sandbed animals alive. Other than that, cleaning is fine. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

09/12/2010, 04:25 PM	#7
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	You're welcome! Good luck! __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

09/11/2010, 06:29 PM	#3
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	Thanks for the quick response HighlandReefer. I tested for phosphates utilizing the Hanna Instruments "Checker" about 3 days ago and got a reading of 0.00. I also tested for nitrates utilizing a API test kit and also got a reading of 0. I think you might be on to something regarding the sand bed though. I don't usually clean my sand bed while doing water changes and I do weekly W/C's on my 90 gal. (7 gal.). I was, for some reason, under the impression that you should not disturb the sand bed. I have a sinking feeling that I may have been wrong about that. However, I will be conducting a W/C on Monday and will attempt to clean the sand bed. Thank you.

09/12/2010, 06:12 AM	#6
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	Thanks Guys, will do.

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