air bubbles from pump

[Cruella]

I am having a problem and I have no clue why. my pump is causing allot of air bubbles in my main tank. I have tried to move the pump and nothing has helped. does anyone know why this would happen?

 

[jallard]

your pump....is it a return pump? Are you running a sump?

 

[Lakeside518]

Need more info... What kind of pump and where is it located? If in a sump how is it laid out-designed?

If its a powerhead it maybe creating a vortex.

 

[Cruella]

it is in the sump. my husband built the ting so I am to sure how it all works. It is a 30 gallon fish tank that we made into a sump. the water comes down on the left side.goes through a set of baffles,then to the skimmer, then over another set of baffles. there is a refuge in the middle then it goes through another set of baffles. the pump is. I am not sure of the name. I know it puts out 2000. the hight from the pump to the tank is about 4 feet.. sorry I am not good at construction.

 

[Linda C.]

Was it fine before and just started happening? when did the problem start?

 

[Cruella]

when I started using this new pump. the one before this was a 1200 something.

 

[Linda C.]

the only time I see bubbles in my return is when the sump is low on water...it starts sucking air.

Is water completely covering the return pump so no air is getting into it?

 

[Krazy]

I'd put the old pump back on for now, until you can determine the actual cause..

The only thing I can think of is what Linda mentioned above, thats the only time I used to see air bubbles (I have an Auto Top Off unit now and it doesnt happen)

 

[TA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8703323#post8703323 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cruella
...does anyone know why this would happen?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8704583#post8704583 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cruella
...the pump is [NEW] . I am not sure of the name. I know it puts out 2000.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8704789#post8704789 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cruella
...when I started using this new pump. the one before this was a 1200 something.

Think you answered your own question: You changed to a higher output pump (if those are pump ratings in gph). More than likely the increased flow through the sump is sending more bubbles to the return section (and therefore to the pump) or creating more bubbles as the water passes over the last baffle.

If you don't detect any bubbles in the return section, then the pump may be cavitating (not getting enough water on the input side).

 

[WinkeyWoneye]

I agree with Tony. I was thinking the sump flow increased and the baffles arent stopping the micro bubbles anymore. Look in the return chamber and see if there are alot of bubbles there. If not, than like Tony said the pump is cavitating. If there is alot of bubbles in the return, than the easiest fix would be to stuff you baffles with live rock (slows the flow of water, not to mention is good filtration)and/or add a sponge where the water comes into the return chamber. The sponge will help diffuse and bubbles that may be getting in there. HTH
Dan

 

[Dave ESPI]

Don't add "Mr. Bubbles" soap to your water. asmuch as a bubble bath may feel great to you, the fish really don't get the same uplifting feeling of being pampered despite your best intentions.

* what Linda and everyone else said is fact. Too high an output and sucking air through the intake with vortex action.

 

[Krazy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8706550#post8706550 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dave ESPI
Don't add "Mr. Bubbles" soap to your water. asmuch as a bubble bath may feel great to you, the fish really don't get the same uplifting feeling of being pampered despite your best intentions.