Why Do I Have Froth in My New Aquarium?

You just finished setting up your new aquarium, and you see froth forming in the tank. This phenomenon occurs when the surface tension of the water is altered. Finding out why this happens is important to alleviate the problem. Knowing some of the common reasons for froth will help keep your new aquarium and fish healthy and beautiful.

  1. Overfeeding

    • Overfeeding your fish can leave excess food in the aquarium. The food starts to decay rapidly and changes the chemical balance of the water. The debris from leftover food can also clog the filter. These changes will create bubbles and froth. Remove all uneaten food immediately after each feeding. If you've overfed your fish, remove approximately 25 percent of the water from the bottom of the tank and replace it with fresh water.

    Filtration Problem

    • A filtration system is necessary to remove dirt and debris from your aquarium. Some filters work by bringing debris to the surface of the water. This filtered debris forms areas of froth on top of the water. The froth can be excessive if the filter is too small for your aquarium. New filters sometimes bubble excessively for the first week or two, creating frothy conditions

    Water Chemistry

    • If you used tap water to fill your aquarium, certain qualities in it could be the problem. Chemicals, such as chlorine, chloramine or ammonia, could be in your water supply. These elements make it safe for drinking but not for your aquarium as they change the surface tension of the water, creating frothy bubbles. Buy a water testing kit from your fish supplier to see if you need to treat your tap water before adding it to your aquarium. Regular water maintenance includes changing 20 percent of your aquarium water twice a week and all of the water monthly.

    Soap or Cleaners

    • If not properly rinsed, soap and cleaning solutions can cause froth in your aquarium and have a negative impact on your fish. The tank will need to be drained and cleaned. There are specialized solutions available for cleaning your aquarium at your local pet store or fish supplier.

    Damaged Equipment

    • If there is excessive froth in your new aquarium, the equipment may be damaged. Check the filters and tubing for any holes or cracks. Bubbles will leak through these damaged areas. As the bubbles accumulate, froth will form on the water's surface. Return damaged equipment to the store for a replacement.