The surface tension of the water has been increased by the addition of additives such as medications, stress coats, dechlorinators or conditioners. Use of these products will prolong the problem. If medicating, disable the protein skimmer by submerging the airline into the water (remove muffler first) or shutting off the air valve for 24 hours.

The aquarium has just been cleaned or water has been changed. Synthetic salt mixes often contain conditioners that will increase the surface tension of the water. Bubbles should disappear within 24 hours, however on a new tank this can take much longer due to the amount of salt mix that has been added.

The salinity is too high. Lower the salinity to 1.021-1.023.

Due to varying water heights in the tank turbulence may be causing bubbles coming from the outlet of the Bak-Pak 2. Adjusting the outlet elbow up or down as well as using the supplied sponge will help to reduce these bubbles.

The gray elbows or airlines are clogged with detritus or salt creep. This will increase the flow rate and possibly sweep the bubbles from the skimmer chamber back into the tank before they can dissipate. The elbows, airlines and muffler should be cleaned at least once a month.

The Bio-Bale has been removed. The Bak-Pak 2 is designed so that a small amount of air escapes into the Bio-Bale chamber to support the bacteria. If you decide to use the Berlin method of filtration and remove the Bio-Bale you may purchase the Bak-Pak 2 Bubble Eliminator, which slides onto the outlet elbow of the Bak-Pak 2.

The rejuvenation plate is not properly seated or the small "O" ring that fits around the plate is damaged or missing. Remove the plate and make sure no detritus or calcium buildup is preventing the plate from seating properly and that the "O" ring is intact. Be sure not to break or bend the two clips that hold the plate in place.

The shorter airline that connects one of the elbows to the nipple on the outlet of the Rio powerhead may be missing or damaged, or one of the elbows is cracked.

The powerhead and its airlines or elbows may be dirty. Clean the entire powerhead at least once a month for optimal performance.

The collection cup is not low enough. See instructions for the correct height of the collection cup.

The biological load may not be sufficient to generate waste. On a new tank or a tank with supplemental filtration it may take over a week to generate waste foam.

The foam is being broken down before it can be collected. Many oils from certain foods and your hands can cause the foam to break down.

The Bio-Bale is packed too tightly or it needs to be cleaned. Remove the Bio-Bale and reposition it so it doesn't restrict water flow. The Bio-Bale may be cleaned by lightly swishing it in saltwater.

The holes on the lid of the collection cup may be plugged. Make sure that these holes are clear of buildup.

An organic bloom or additive in the tank may be causing excess foam. Using carbon may be necessary to remove the offending compound.

The aquarium has just been cleaned or water has been changed. Synthetic salt mixes often contain conditioners that will increase the surface tension of the water. This will result in a clear liquid being collected.

The airline, gray elbows, muffler or the air control valve may be blocked with salt creep, detritus or calcium buildup. Clean these parts at least once a month in warm tap water, using a paper clip on the elbows to remove buildup.

The powerhead may need to be cleaned. If the powerhead becomes clogged with organic material the flow rate and air intake rate will be reduced. Follow the instructions included with the Bak-Pak 2 on how to clean your powerhead.

It may be necessary to tighten the fittings slightly more. If you remove the fittings to clean the Bak-Pak 2 it may be necessary to replace the washers. Over time the washers may shrink or deteriorate. Replace each washer as it becomes necessary.

Your tank may not have completed the nitrogen cycle. This process may take up to 8 weeks in some systems.

It may be necessary to clean the Bio-Bale. Follow the instructions included with your Bak-Pak 2 on how to clean the Bio-Bale. If you find it necessary to clean your Bio-Bale more than once every two months you may be overfeeding. Please consult your local fish store about the proper feeding of your tank.