Tiny metallic-like bubbles

[jmcal]

I am a month into my first AIO saltwater 32 gallon biocube--2 clowns, sally lightfoot crab, 3 snails, and a tiger conch. Recently, I noticed tiny metallic-looking bubbles rising from the substrate and on the live rock. Is this nitrogen? They are gone now, but I had never seen those before--really cool through a magnifier. But just want to be sure they are not dangerous. thanks.

 

[Reefer1978]

Most likely Algae starting to colonize the rock / sand and grow.

 

[RedFrog211]

Bubbles can be caused by a lot of things! As mentioned above, algae can cause it through photosynthesis, or capture micro-bubbles, causing them to collect and create more visible bubbles. If it’s in a thick brown slime, it could be dinoflagellates, which can overwhelm corals (similar to Cyano). Another alternative is anaerobic bacteria in the sand bed separating nitrates into a source of oxygen, causing a nitrogen gas byproduct.

 

[Reefer1978]

Bubbles can be caused by a lot of things! As mentioned above, algae can cause it through photosynthesis, or capture micro-bubbles, causing them to collect and create more visible bubbles. If it’s in a thick brown slime, it could be dinoflagellates, which can overwhelm corals (similar to Cyano). Another alternative is anaerobic bacteria in the sand bed separating nitrates into a source of oxygen, causing a nitrogen gas byproduct.

I didn't want to scare with "dinoflagellates" right away, but that's always my first thought when I think bubbles.

 

[RedFrog211]

Actually, with your tank being 1 month old, it could also be diatoms (perfectly common part of the “ugly” phase where life in your new tank is fighting for unclaimed territory)

Could you post pics under white lights?

 

[jmcal]

Actually, with your tank being 1 month old, it could also be diatoms (perfectly common part of the “ugly” phase where life in your new tank is fighting for unclaimed territory)

Could you post pics under white lights?

Ok—I’ll post a few pics. I am pretty sure I have diatoms as the substrate is almost entirely rusty brown. Thanks!

 

[jmcal]

Here you go! Thanks.