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Hi everyone,

I have a female betta in a 2.5 heated, filtered tank. Today, I changed the water. I do 100% water changes every week or 10 days. Today I took her out, took out the ornament, turned off all the equipment (heater and filter), and used a gravel vac to get out most of the water. I usually carry the tank to the sink to do the WCs but thought the gravel vac would be easier. I replaced the water, put in a new, rinsed ornament, and put her back in. About 2 hours later I noticed that there were bubbles pouring out of the filter. The filter is a whisper 3i. My first thought was soap, but I am comletely anal about that. The ornament had been on my sink counter in the bathroom, but a) was wrapped in a plastic bag, with no holes, and b) had been rinsed well. I have changed about 80% of the water, changed the filter, which I know is bad to do at a WC, but I was desperate. (I still have that filter cartridge so I can put it back in). I changed the ornament back to the old one, and even took the filter apart to make sure there was nothing in there. It was clear. The filter is still frothing, but nowhere near as badly. They aren't pouring out of it, they are contained under the little flip hood. Please help!

Also, my fish seems perfectly fine, and is exhibiting no symptoms of distress.

Did you switch types of water conditioner or add more than usual? That will usually do it. If the filter pad has been without water movement for over 30-60mins toss it. The bacteria will start to die in that time and if it's in a sealed container or bag with no airflow you'll also end up with anerobic bacteria and toxins. Putting it back in will cause health issues for your fish. Otherwise you can switch back to the other one if you think the tank needs the bacteria. I doubt filter cartridge was the cause. If the fish is fine I would wait it out for now and see if the bubbles stop.

I have changed about 80% of the water, changed the filter

Was that a completly new filter material?
If so to start of with there would be no live bacteria in it at all. Weather that would cause the frothing problem I am not 100% sure but it could cause other problems.

Exactly what did you add to the water also was it different to any of your previous water additions even a brand name change.
Did you wash the filter material out first if so how?
Did you put in a "New" ornament or am I reading it wrong?

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

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Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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I'm leaning towards Sham's idea of over-conditioning. I've seen conditioners do this on more than one occasion, especially stress coat.

Do you have the air tube connected to the intake? I see your filter has a provision for introducing air via an air tube/pump.

At this point i believe it is due to switching to stresscoat conditioner. it is still doing it, and i have taken gabby out, but will prbably put her back in. Thanks for all the ideas!