Bubbles on the top of the water?

Question

There have been bubbles on the top of the water in my fish tank. The bubbles look like soap. What could this be?

I have six Barbs (different ones) in the tank which is a 10 gallon tank.

When I unplug the filter to clean the filter cartridge then plug it back in the bubbles look like they are coming from the filter or filter cartridge.

Answer 1

If you have a male Gourami (this includes Bettas), sunfish, catfish or cichlid, chances are you've got a happy boy on your hands! These nests are made to provide a place to keep eggs incubated and guarded by the male until the fry hatch. Of course, if you don't add a girl (which I don't recommend unless the fish is in a ten gallon or more tank, and you have done reading on breeding), there will be no fry. It just means that he thinks he has a great home.

Answer 2

If it's not the males who are blowing, then it's excess protein. If this is the case a protein skimmer would solve the problem. Don't feed your fish meat, do regular water changes. If there's a bad smell do a little more investigating after a partial water change. Check for nitrates, nitrites, ammonia etc.

Answer 3

Got male fish? They could be getting ready for fry. (babies)

Or you got a lot of oxygen going on from the filters. And certainly hope that anything isn't getting washed with soap. ;-)

Answer 4

You have males in there, that are "blowing" a nest ! Nothing to worry about, it's natural.

Answer 5

did you put any medicine? sometimes they make lots of bubbly stuff(medicine)

Answer 6

could be your little brother or sister adding dish detergent when you are not looking