Bubble Trap Question....

[divebri69]

I have a bubble trap question:

I'm building a sump, and my original plan was to simply use the 3 panel over-under-over style of trap that's been around forever.
However, I've noticed that the mass-produced sumps now appear to use a 'ledge' or 'box' with a foam block as a bubble trap.

If you have experience with this type bubble trap I'd be very interested in hearing your comments on how it works for you.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[strgazr27]

Brian the only "Issue" w the foam block style is that unless you are diligent and it is easy to get to the sponge can start to act as a nitrate trap. I much prefer the old OUO style. JM2Cents

 

[divebri69]

OK. I can see that happening...
Thanks,
Brian

 

[mbg75]

The foam clogs up and messes up water levels in the skimmer area

 

[divebri69]

OK. If I have a single bubble trap (Over/Under/Over) at the end of the fuge section, just as the water enters the return section do you think it'll be sufficient? The last sump I made, I put one before the fuge section and one after: howver, there was no protein skimmer in the sump, so I had a greater percentage of the sump area available for a refugium. In the one I'm making now I find that trying to place the skimmer in the sump is taking a huge amount of space.

If a single bubble trap is sufficient, I save almost 3" of space in the sump.
Thanks,
Brian

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Brian,
I don't have any baffles in the skimmer section.
What I do have is a container under the skimmer drain. It sits under the exhaust pipe
And that pipe extends into the water slightly.
Any bubbles flow over the container & the bubbles are water level to begin with.

 

[divebri69]

That's enough to give the bubbles time to dissipate?
Thanks Vinny,
Brian

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Since they are on the top of the water I have no worries.
You are welcome to stop over for a look.

 

[divebri69]

Ah- I got it now....
The bubbles left over when the water exits the skimmer float up to the top of the container, they aren't mixed into the water column.
Thanks again, Vinny.
Brian