martynmarion

I have just filled my new 75 gal. tank with approx. 50 pounds of rounded pea gravel, 8 pounds of white ocean sand, a large piece of driftwood, and 4 large rocks. I used the vinegar test on the rocks and they are ok, the LFS said that the driftwood had already been soaked, but I added my water from my outside the house hose so the water came out at about 40 degrees. After treating my water with a regulator I turned on my heater and my emperor 400 biowheel and went to bed. This morning I notice that the walls of my tank are covered with tiny bubbles. I was just wondering if the bubbles were caused by the tank starting to heat up (up to 74 degrees) or if the sand were causing a problem, or if anyone could think of anything else that my be causing this situation? Other than the water temp, driftwood and the sand, this is how I cycled my two 10 gal. and my 20, but I have never encountered this 'situation". Thanks!!!

Chief_waterchanger

It can be caused by several factors, and it is nothing to worry about. The addition of the water can do it (our tanks get tons of tiny bubbles after each waterchange, it has to do with the water being under pressure in the waterlines.) Air pockets in the sand being released as it settles can do it. The heating up of the cold water I've heard can do it, but will leave that for Dino to answer later, (no offense to the other folks on the site, but Dino has the scientific credentials).

The water being under pressure probably is the main culprit, I would think, though.