Bubbles from filter 3166 (reefpack 500)

[Nizztos]

I'm not really happy about my reefpack atm. The filter produces tons of micro bubbles in the tank. This is to the point where the water is almost milky and at times some of my fish are all dotted with small airbubbles.

Is there a trick to get rid of these bubbles?

 

[rvitko]

How long has it been running and when was the filter cartridge last changed? What is the KH? Are the bubbles constant or worse as the daylight hours progress? How many intake tubes are you using?

 

[Nizztos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10830830#post10830830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rvitko
How long has it been running and when was the filter cartridge last changed? What is the KH? Are the bubbles constant or worse as the daylight hours progress? How many intake tubes are you using?

It has been running for about 4 months now. Semi regular cartridge changes. KH has been 6-10 during this period. New tank, with until last couple of weeks, nothing but live rock in it.

Bubbles are constant (with the odd big burst) during daytime. I must admit that I have never looked for bubbles or their absence during night time. Bubbles have also been constant during the 4 months.

Amount of bubbles does not change with cartridge change (except for when doing the procedure of changing when it almost fills the 400l tank with bubbles as it sucks air out of the bell).

Two intake tubes (if those are the ones mounted at bottom).

 

[rvitko]

OK, from the info I have I can narrow it down to most likely an oxygen saturation. If you PM me an address I can send a coarser cartridge to try, this will alleviate some of the vacuum in the filter and prevent degassing the bubbles. Just out of curiosity, do you have much algae, either macro or micro?

 

[Nizztos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10831587#post10831587 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rvitko
OK, from the info I have I can narrow it down to most likely an oxygen saturation. If you PM me an address I can send a coarser cartridge to try, this will alleviate some of the vacuum in the filter and prevent degassing the bubbles. Just out of curiosity, do you have much algae, either macro or micro?

I'm in Sweden, Europe, so that might not be the best idea. Do you have a part # for the cartridge so I could order it here and try?

I was actually planning on getting the refill cartridge 871, but I no longer see it listed in the Tunze parts list.

Yes, I have (had) quite a lot of algea. Micro and macro. New tank with fresh uncured live rock and I started the ligth a bit too soon. I no longer have any algea growth, but there is still a fair amount of it left in the tank that I have not yet cleaned up.

 

[waterloomarc]

Glad I'm not the only one. I've got the same problem with mine. I think part of the problem (for mine) is that there skimmer body lets small microbubbles out the bottom...and then they get sucks up into the filter tube. I guess from there they collect until they get shot out in big bursts.

Any sugguestions?

 

[rvitko]

Marc,

I would need more info, every case is different. In can be gas saturation, plugged filter, low water level and they will always make a few occasional bubbles. In your case it sounds like it is just the small skimmer bubbles collecting. What is the KH and do you have much algae? How long has the filter been running and are you using the intake tubes (how many)?

Nizztos, 871 is still available and would work as well, I was suggesting 0800.140. It is a coarse blue foam.

 

[waterloomarc]

Roger,

The water level in the tank is exactly at the squiggly line on the skimmer. I'm using both the intake tubes. My KH is showing 9.9 with a salifert test. It's a new tank, it's been running since the first week of August. I've not had a problem with algae, my live rock didn't have much die off thank god.

It took me longer than I would have thought to get the skimmer dialed in/broken in. To be honest I just now feel like it's hitting its stride. I would have thought the microbubbles would have stopped by now. Any suggestions for that? would cutting back the fresh water intake help?

I appreciate the help.

 

[rvitko]

Yes, this would recirculate more of the bubbles within the skimmer. You will have to close it at least 50% to see much benefit though.