bubble bar

Question
QUESTION: hi i got a little 10 gallon tank i have 1 clownfish and 1 damsel in there and only plan to add one more clownfish i have a bubble bar that is about 5 to 6 inches long in there and produces quite abit of bubbles at first i really wondered if it was a good idea to plug it in so i left it off for the first hour until the fish got used to there surroundings i then turned it on the clownfish didnt really care for it but the damsel loves swimming through the bubbles however i do not want to make my clown fish unhappy is it worth having it there and will it eventually hurt that damsel

ANSWER: Hello Jeremy,

Can you please tell me a little bit about your tank???

How old is it, how long have you been running it?  What type of equipment do you have on it, and what type of filtration...

as for your question regarding bubble bars/wands:

Typically saltwater aquariums dont use 'bubble' devices... In Freshwater systems, it is almost vital to have bubbles being introduced into your systm, but for saltwater tanks, it is just something else to mess with and possible go wrong in your system...

I strongly suggest you dont use the bubble bar...

I also suggest you reconsider adding any more fish...

10gal tank isnt very big... and when you get a 'couple' / pair, they tend to become more aggressive and possesive... trying to protect thier property...

Please send me the water peramters and test results to make sure things are going well for you...


I look forward to hearing from you again...


Bill


         

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hey bill ,

my salinity level is at 1.021 and i've had my tank running with fish in it for 3 days. Since Feb,6,2010 i'm going to perform my tests on friday february , 12 i also have a 5 gallon tote where i keep my premixed water with a salinity level of 1.022 for weekly change outs. I have since unplugged the bubble bar due to common sense the tank like you said is fairly small so the bubbles jus take up valuable room for my beloved fish. My filter is a aquaclear 20 with a piece of foam in it at the top of the basket to skim off any debris as it re-enters my tank i have a little heater which i try to maintain a temp. of 78 - 80 and a coralia 1 turbo marine pump to similate water movement. I have not had a hobby that i have ever loved so much doing this was a calling lol so i'am doing everything in my power to get it right. thanks alot bill have a good one. sincerely , Jeremy

Answer
Hey Jeremy

Im glad that you have a love of this hobby...

Me and lots of folks have this love, and it is that love that will carry us through rough times and boring times...

Unfortunately, I will ahve to be a little rough here with you... (nuttin personal, and I have said this to many others before you)


PLEASE do not take this the wrong way, as i do want you to be successful and for you to not hate me...

BUT...

you should not have put fish into a tank that is that new...

Im sure you dont understand the difference between your filter with the sponge in it and teh actual filter that willkeep your fish from suffering and dieing...

that filter, the IMPORTANT ONE, does not work right away.. it is not something you can unbox and plug in and BAM it works...

it is a living filter, and it takes time for it to become established and is able to support a saltwater aquarium...
this time frame is different for different people and different systems...

Most folks refer to this time frame as CYCLING a tank...

when a tank is 'cycled' does not mean you are done and that you can toss in a bunch of fish and critters, as the name 'cycled' implies... your living filter will be in flux.. sometimes good, and sometimes not so good.. so that it cycles up and down/back and forth..


anyways...  I TRULY SUGGEST you join my new forum at www.thelittleocean.com


there are several other newbies and beginners that are having this discussion right now also...

II have forum members from all around the world.. germany, england, canada, the US, and all over really


You will get support and information from most everyone...


PLEASE log on and join the forum and we will be glad to help you throu the process to both, minimize the cycling time, and to minimze any fish loss/death...


good luck and please stay in tough