Combline Reef Pack 500

[90g-reefer]

I have the reef pack 500 on my 90 gallon reef. I am having a major problem with micro bubbles coming from the return. I have tried everything from from using filter floss, sponges and filter media. Nothing is stopping the bubbles. Can anyone help?

 

[rvitko]

There are three main reasons for this problem, clogged filter media, low water level, or water chemistry. Assuming you have this problem with a brand new cartridge and the water level is correct, the problem will be one of the following, an excessive KH will cause CO2 bubbles (over 14dKH), an excessive level of oxygen will cause oxygen bubbles to escape. This happens because of a partial vacuum inside the pump, the oversaturation is degassed. A tell tale sign it is oxygen is that the bubbles will increase as the day light hours continue. There are less bubbles when the lights come on and the most when they shut off. If oxygen is the issue you simply reduce the light hours and thin or remove fast growing corals and algae to reduce the photosynthetic activity.

 

[90g-reefer]

I am so frustrated with this reef pack. The skimmer is great but the damn micro bubbles from the return pump make me want to drop kick it. I have tried everything. Coarse filter floss, filter sponges, filter media. I just cant figure it out. It is making my display look like crap. Is there any other suggestions? I don't think there are any differences with my lights on or off I just cant see them when their off. My Dkh is 12 trying to get it down if that is the problem.

 

[rvitko]

Do you live in the US? Have you checked that the filter bell anti backflow ring is not clogged or jammed? There is a ring in the bottom of the filter bell that should move up and down to prevent trapped debris from flowing back out. This is more of an issue in plant tanks, but sometimes large debris will jam this opening and restrict the flow.

 

[90g-reefer]

Yes I live in the US. There is a ring on the base that screws into the bell. The ring doesn't float it just spins and it is locked down to the base is that the ring your talking about? If not then I guess I don't have one, maybe that is my problem. But I don't see how this ring floats up and down the length of the bell unless it is missing. As I said I tried putting carbon pellets in the media chamber no real effect. I also tried filter floss in both the media chamber and in just the bell. no real change. I tried a course black sponge in the beginning don't remember a real big change. I am just getting frustrated and cant figure out why there are so many bubbles.

 

[rvitko]

Did you at anytime change out the impeller? Is it possible you added a larger than intended impeller? The base of the bell housing twists in as you describe, but around the outer edge is a slot that runs around the circumference of the base, in this slot is a thin plastic ring that moves up and down a couple millimeters. It's purpose is to seal the intake slot so debris can't drain back out when you remove the cartridge. Are you near New Orleans? I mention the impeller because a local dealer there was asking about what size impeller to use and implied he may have used the wrong one. If you send me the pump and filter bell, I can probably resolve the problem. Also, how old is the ReefPack 500? Is it the older model with a 3130/2 skimmer or the new one with the 9005? Is it brown or black?

 

[90g-reefer]

I have never replaced the impeller, as far as the color it is brown. If I were to send you the pump and bell what would that cost me, and how could I remove it without having my reef suffer. I assume I would keep the skimmer running would that be enough without the filter pump. And I live in CA.

 

[rvitko]

The skimmer alone, provided you have good circulation, would be enough for the couple weeks of down time. As far as cost, it is an older model that is out of warranty but the fix should be fairly simple and inexpensive, probably less than $50. How long have you had it? Did it once work without producing the microbubbles?

 

[90g-reefer]

I think I just figured it out Roger. Its the skimmer! I had to turn off the skimmer for another issue I was dealing with and all of a sudden the bubbles were GONE all of them. So how do I address this?

 

[2006]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14762056#post14762056 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 90g-reefer
I think I just figured it out Roger. Its the skimmer! I had to turn off the skimmer for another issue I was dealing with and all of a sudden the bubbles were GONE all of them. So how do I address this?

Close the gate at the bottom.

 

[90g-reefer]

The gate???? Do you mean the open space where the pump fits in on the underside?

 

[2006]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14762573#post14762573 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 90g-reefer
The gate???? Do you mean the open space where the pump fits in on the underside?

It's near the bottom on the front of the skimmer. The gate slides back and forth. I't won't shut all the way because thats where the water enters.

Check the fifth pic down:

http://www.tunze.com/149.html?&L=1&C=US&user_tunzeprod_pi1[predid]=-infoxunter028

 

[rvitko]

You can close the door over the water inlet, this causes the water to recirculate and reduces the amount of bubbles released. If you have any power heads pointed at the skimmer or filter or it is in a very turbulent area, redirecting the flow or moving the unit will help a great deal. Also, make sure the output of the pump is inside the clear jet pipe inside the skimmer.