NO3 to Nitrogen

[Fishfreak]

I was using 2 x 36 PL over a nano with 4" DSB. I had those bubbles then, but not a lot.

Recently, I changed the lights to 3 x 24 T5. Now, I get to enjoy an amazing bubble show everyday. Bubbles were bubbling to the surface in droves.

Question : Was this because of the improved lighting? Or something else?

Then my next question. I don't have surface skimming in this tank. Skimmer is a Prizm. Most of the bubbles do not burst when they reach the top. Right now, I lay newspapers on the surface about twice a week to remove the scum there. Should I increase the frequency to remove the floating bubbles as well?

Thanks

[sunny03]

hi my 2ft tank also have the same problem as u the bubbles do not burst on the surface and the are layers of oil or scum and i also using prizm skimmer however i modify the skimmer a bit by using a 16mm pvc pipe with x2 "L' elbow make a U shape and along the pvc pipe drill some holes so that i can skim as usual and the top the water will flow down been using it for 2 weeks liao so far so good no scum or oil on the surface

[Tanzy]

Improved lighting resulting in increased bubbles can only mean that there is increased photosynthesis by the algae and cyanobacteria living in the sand. The bubbles are oxygen and not nitrogen. Denitrifcation takes place in the dark and light can actually inhibit it.

[FuEl]

Hmmm...my tank bubbles like champagne after T5 switch over.

Remind me of my planted tank last time..lolx

[sunny03]

here is the modify prizm surface skimmer aft i resize the pic

[sunny03]

a pic from the side view

[sunny03]

a whole view of my tank using rocks to hide the pipe

[sunny03]

last pic of the bubbles on the sand bed

[edwincis]

Bro maybe you want to check your no3 level. I believe that your Nitrate is quite high.

[sunny03]

NO3 level is between 5mg to 10mg the colour is much closer to 5mg lor

NH4/NH3 0

Ca is around 500 if i never remeber wrongly

the test kit used are sera brand and test are taken on tueday

[Tanzy]

last pic of the bubbles on the sand bed

Is that on the sand surface? It looks like slimy cyanobacteria trapping oxygen. If it is between the sand and glass then it's nothing to worry about.

[Fishfreak]

If it is between the sand and glass then it's nothing to worry about.

Pls elaborate. Thru the glass, I can see lots of bubbles in the sand bed and these make their way up. Are these good or bad?

Also, what are the signs that the DSB has matured sufficiently to start denitrifying (other than a lowering of NO3 reading?)?

Thanks

[Tanzy]

Only a lowering of nitrate in the water lets you know that the DSB is maturing. Bubbles are more often then not cause by algae growing.

[Fishfreak]

Thanks!

[sunny03]

there are bubbles that also being trap in the sand as i can see it from the glass