2 bubble, or not to bubble.... this is the question!?

[cartouche]

I have the choice of having the return of my skimmer slightly above the water line or slightly below ....

The difference is the bubbles that are created if I change it to 'just above' I quite like the effect but what are the pro's & cons of either? I have read somewhere that bubbles in the tank are bad, Nitrate, Air born bacteria? not sure as I can't remember.

All in all it looks quite effective as its a large tank and this is only in one corner, also the outlet even though its above the waterline - its only 'just' above so the water disturbance is fairly minimal.

Any opinions?

 

[t-bone2]

go for it if you dont like move it back bubbles are not bad most people dont like to look at them

 

[papagimp]

Agreed, most the time, the microbubbles are not going to be bad, just unsightily. If you have sponges and sea whipes that don't like the air getting to them, the bubbles may kill em off. Other than that, in my opinion, lot's of bubbles in the tank gives it more of that "freshwater tank" look and doesn't seem right in my opinion. But I don't think it would hurt your tank if you like it. and the added oxygen and gaseous exchange won't be a bad thing either. Your call.

 

[cartouche]

It really is just minimal in a top corner ... Does it not help to airate the water..... ?

I don't get how when you do a water change airation is recommended yet to disturb the surface in the display tank seems a bit taboo.

 

[papagimp]

Sure it'll help aerate the water, but with sufficient surface movement, the extra aeration isn't needed. One reason we add airstones and similar products on a freshwater tank is that you don't have as much current flowing through them, so not nearly as much gaseous exchange going on. If it's minimal and you don't mind it, than sure keep it that way, it's not going to hurt.

and it's not Taboo, disturbing the surface water allows oxygen in, co2 and other nitrogenous gases out. It's all about the science.
And the reason we recommend aeration when performing water changes is that water being stored, such as in a 5 gallon bucket waiting all week long for friday to roll around so I can do my next water change, will not have much oxygen in it, it's been sitting stagnant, unless you aerate it first. Basically you'd be removing oxygen from your system when you pull out the old water and adding low oxygen water back in. Plus the aeration really does help to mix up the salt you add to it. Never underestimate the flow power of an airstone, bubbles can move water pretty good.

 

[cartouche]

Thanks for the feedback guys