Air pump question

[jtay]

Hi all,

I use an air pump & stone in my frogs water bowl to create humidity, it works great.
Usually the bubbles rise to the surface of the water and disappear, but sometimes - very rarely, the bubbles don't disappear and congregate on the surface of the water like foam. This happened yesterday so I changed the water and it went back to normal but then a few hours later the foam was back. The air source is outside, and there is nothing in the water accept for water. I'm wondering why this happens - i tried to find info on the net with no luck.
My frogs don't seem to mind the foamy bubbles at all.
Is it a temperature thing? Something in the air? Or what?
Anyone know what causes this?

Jess

[John]

When you empty the bowl, do you clean it? In any case, it's not something to worry about and is usually caused by the presence of biological compounds or waste products in the water (such as from harmless bacteria in the bowl).

[jtay]

Thanks John, good to know it's not something to worry about. I'm just curious as to what causes it.
I do clean it every time I change the water - only with a scrub brush and water though as I don't use chemicals on any of my frogs stuff. I also give the air stone a scrub too.

[John]

Well used air stones have bacteria inside them too. I would think that's probably the source of whatever is acting as a surfactant to make these bubbles (usually biological metabolites).

[jtay]

Hmmm, in that case I think I shall go get a new one.
Thanks

[John]

It's harmless - I wouldn't worry about it.