[radar]

I was noticing while reading some of the build threads that people will go to great lengths to get rid of bubbles. Is there a reason for this other than ascetics.

[The R/C Man]

The bubbles can irritate corals causing them to excrete slime. Other people have actually used the micro bublles to induce that condition believing that the corals will benifit from expelling mucas occasionally......

[Reefland]

Mostly aesthetics though. It sure is irritating trying to build a crystal clear tank only to be fouled with loads of tiny bubbles.

[The R/C Man]

[radar]

Yea I see your point. Now I can't decide which Is worse bubbles are 12 years worth of scratches.

[Samper]

You're going to end up with scratches anyway cleaning algae be it with a razor blade, scraper or magnet cleaner. I just got a bad one...not noticable to most but it's bothering me. I left my mag floats in too long and ended up with serpulid worms inbetween the glass and the rough surface of the float. Yeah it scratched. I've also kicked up some sand before with the magnet and it got in between the same part causing some minor scratches.

As for the bubbles I don't worry about some...powerheads burp and what not from time to time. The natural reefs are not bubble free and I believe the corals take advantage of these times when they are present to release wastes. Every once in a while when I feel like it I'll hook up an air pump to a powerhead and let it run for 10 minutes. Sure enough most of the corals release slime. I have never noticed a problem associated with me doing this.