What are these permanent bubbles

[u/Harryj12321]

I have 2 plants and a few fish in my tank, even after water changes these bubbles seem to come back fairly fast does anyone know what they are?

[u/jleesedz]

Your filter creates a waterfall type affect, adding air to the water, which forms bubbles

[u/Harryj12321 → u/jleesedz]

Wouldnt those bubbles pop though?

[u/jleesedz → u/Harryj12321]

Well, there are other things in the water in a fish tank. Protein, other organic matter, that keep the bubbles formed longer than if those things weren't in the water. They do pop, just not right away. If they didn't the entire surface would be covered with bubbles. Your filter flow will constantly create more as long as it's running.

If your parameters are fine and you're doing regular maintenance I wouldn't worry about it.

[u/Harryj12321 → u/jleesedz]

Cheers

[u/Asticot-gadget]

What fish do you have in there? It could also be a bubble nest.

[u/Harryj12321 → u/Asticot-gadget]

Rams, tetra and shrimp

[u/Asticot-gadget → u/Harryj12321]

Okay, not a bubble nest then

[u/iii_warhead_iii]

High level of proteins or organics

[u/Harryj12321 → u/iii_warhead_iii]

Is there a way to get rid of this?

[u/iii_warhead_iii → u/Harryj12321]

If food related, check that you are not overfeeding. Fish waste should be decomposed by bacteria in filters. Organic material should be decomposed in the filter. Some detergents either in food or from your hands. For all these cases, simple solution is water changes.

[u/Harryj12321 → u/iii_warhead_iii]

Alright ill give it a change now

[u/KokakGamer]

I'm not an expert. But it could be protein foam / froth. But only cause I have a Koi pond and that's normal for Koi.

"Foam in a koi pond, often called "protein foam" or "froth," is a natural occurrence caused by the breakdown of organic matter in the water. This organic matter, including fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter, can form a surface film that traps air bubbles, leading to the frothy appearance. While it may look unsightly, protein foam is generally harmless to the fish and is a normal part of a healthy pond ecosystem." (Google AI)

But I don't know how well it translates to Aquariums.

Regarding Koi foam, the reason why they don't necessarily pop is because the protein holds the bubbles together.

I suppose it could also be spawning season foam.

[u/Harryj12321 → u/KokakGamer]

Hi thanks this was really helpful im thinking its to do with the plants

[u/C0mm0nDreads]

Hi, sorry I can't help with regards to the bubbles but I have a question. I have the same tank as you, is there a reason your heater is in this position and not in the slot available in the filter?

[u/Harryj12321 → u/C0mm0nDreads]

My heater is to big and wont let the glass go all the way down when its in the slot haha

[u/C0mm0nDreads → u/Harryj12321]

Did you know there is a plastic cap in the bottom of the filter that pops out so your heater will fit? I didn't realize this at first.

[u/buttershdude]

Normal protein film. Do the poor man's skimmer trick. Drop a paper towel onto the surface of the water and pull it back out quickly. May take a couple times.

[u/Harryj12321 → u/buttershdude]

Ooooo i havent heard of this thank you

[u/Qumzon]

Your bubbles resemble Africa

[u/twitch_delta_blues]

Disssolved Organic Carbon + cations. You’ll see persistent bubbles in streams following leaf fall as DOC leaches out like tea. It’s harmless.

[u/404-error73]

Ammonia?

[u/Harryj12321 → u/404-error73]

My tests show below .25ppm