bubbles and foam

[cr8tivguy]

Hi everyone!
I cleaned out my pond last week (big job) and got my pumps and filters running. I added water treatment since I replaced a good portion of the water. I also added the recommended dose of algae killer.
Over the last week, I've noticed quite a bit of bubbly foam on the water surface. It doesn't cover the top of the pond but is probably 1/3 of the surface. The waterfall is creating the bubbles/foam.

I'm due to do a small water replacement this weekend. I'm thinking the problem could be caused by:
1- high protein in the water (temp is 50, all tests are within normal limits)
2- I put too much of the algae chemical in the water.
3- My bio filter is not working yet (too cool still) and this is normal.

Any thoughts on what I should do (if anything) to correct this?
Tim

 

[koiguy1969]

yep... foam is created by excess D.O.Cs (dissolved organic compounds aka proteins)
float a hoola hoop, or make a floating corral under your waterfall...it will collect the foam, and you can easily net it out with a skimmer net. adollar store hoola hoop works well ..just tie it off so it stays in place. with every scoop of the net your removing concentration of proteins.
just a thought... what's your water temp? any chance theres a spawn going on? spawns can definately get some foam going.

 

[dieselplower]

I think idea #1 is the probable cause. Coming out of Winter you likely had a large amount of decaying material etc. It should clear up once your filter gets going and you change some water. Ensuring you are not overstocked should also help reduce the problem.

 

[callingcolleen1]

I really think it is a combination of effects, left over decay, chemicals, poor water quality, and how is your local water right now, may appear clean but this time of the year spring runoff in many areas can smell fishy and may be of poor quality due to spring runoff?

 

[dieselplower]

I really think it is a combination of effects, left over decay, chemicals, poor water quality, and how is your local water right now, may appear clean but this time of the year spring runoff in many areas can smell fishy and may be of poor quality due to spring runoff?

Youre right. Im sure it is a combination of things as well. I also have a small amount of foam on my pond and I know I did a bad job cleaning out debris last fall.

 

[sissy]

I have foam white and clean and just from aeration .White no smell so all is good

 

[koiguy1969]

aeration causes bubbles, it only creates foam when theres enough D.O.Cs to cause it. and its usually appears as white.

 

[callingcolleen1]

I forgot that soft water can also cause foam too.

 

[sissy]

Yep i always thought my water was hard but no wondering .I get foam and bubble from my new aerator and as long as it is white and does not smell funny it is OK in my book .It can be a little green if you have algae but the yellow may worry me a little .