Help with a ReefPack 500.

[Herbie]

I am trying to solve a micro-bubble problem with my ReefPack 500.......specifically the 3166. Is there some other filter media or baskets that would alleviate some of the micro-bubbles shooting out of it. I have let it run for a week at a time without touching the filter bell......and its still releasing bubbles.
Or is the 1600/2 just too strong of a pump for it perhaps? Would I be better running a slightly less powerful pump like a 1200/2......thats approx 100 gph less than a 1600/2?
Maybe I have something hooked up wrong.
Any advise?
Thanks........Herbie

 

[REEF-DADDY]

sorry wrong post.

sorry wrong post.

sorry wrong post.

 

[doxyman]

IME, the 3166 works almost too good and as soon as the wound filter media gets dirty (usually 3-5 days) its begins producing bubbles. Try taking it out, unwrapping it and running it under warm water until clean. When rewinding it, keep the winding sort of loose. For me this usually corrected the problem.

One of the best things that I purchased for the Reefpack was the media basket 870, which replaces the wound filter media and lets you run other media such as carbon. I use the basket w/carbon probably 80% of the time now (the wound filter ~20%) and have not had bubble problems with this routine.

HTH

http://www.tunze.com/details.html?&L=1&C=US&user_tunzeprod_pi1[prodid]=0870.000

 

[Herbie]

Thanks for the advise doxyman!
I was thinking about getting the 870 media basket, but I was wondering.......do you wrap the media basket with something for some mechanical filtration, before it hits the media? Thats prob. the route I will go next. They also have a foam core media option, that is wrapped with a thin layer of coarse media. Have you tried it?
Also.........since you have a Reefpack, I was wondering, Do you have the optical sensor and high float, mounted inside the 3166? I am asking because my optical sensor is installed on the mounting tab inside the 3166.........but it maintains the water level approx. 1/4 to 1/2 BELOW the squigley line on the Skimmer. I would like to raise the sensor, to match the skimmer water level, but the mount tab is fixed and not adjustable ??? If I raise or lower the Reefpack, it just adjusts the tank waterlevel.........not the waterlevel on the Reefpack. Any tips???
Thanks for the help........Herbie

 

[rvitko]

The squigley line is not exact, it is a reference and their is a range from about 1" below to 1/2" above that the skimmer can work. I agree with doxyman. Basically the cart clogs and a vacuum is formed that degasses the water. This can also have other causes involving water chemistry- if the bubbles get worse as the daylight hours progress the light may be too bright and you are getting a saturation of the water with oxygen, this can also occur is lots of algae are present or fast growing corals. The other possibility is the KH is excessive so the CO2 levels are high due to the equilibrium, this creates a constant source of water. I think you will find the bubbles are reduced provided neither of the conditions exist if you just change the cartridge weekly. You can save the old ones, unwind them and throw them in your clothes washer with some oxyclean and then wind them back up. They are good for 4-5 uses this way. In time the detritus should be removed to the point the carts don't clog so fast. The foam is an option as is the 871 packed with macro wadding or the 870 with some carbon. With fine granular carbon the 870 filters pretty well, their is no floss wrap but it really isn't needed.

 

[Herbie]

Thanks for the advise Roger.
My water level is about 1/2 below the squigely line........I guess I will just let it go, if thats in the right range.
I think I will try to find a 870 media basket and replacement 0800.10 pack somewhere.........its hard to find the small Tunze parts/stuff, and filter media from on-line vendors! They usually dont stock anything but the large items.
You are exactly right about the the bubbles.........they get slightly worse the longer the lights are on. I am also running a 5074 calcium/kalk reactor for all top-off water with the osmolator system. My KH,PH,ALK and calcium levels are all on the higher side of the spectrum. Coral growth has been excellent while maintaining these high levels. Coraline growing all over.
Lighting is on the high side as well........300watts of vho actinic and 150w DE Pheonix halide........on a 37 oceanic. Coral growth is fantastic with this lighting set-up. Great LPS colors!
The only filtration is a ReefPack 500.........well I call it a "ReefPack1000" now as I converted the 9005 into a 9010 already! Pulling a LOT more junk now!
Its working GREAT and I am very pleased.........just trying to sort out the "slight" micro bubble issue.
Thanks for the help..........Herbie

 

[rvitko]

You might try a midday photoperiod break of an hour or two and slightly lowering the KH. We do sell the spare parts direct, that includes filter cartridges. Otherwise our dealers could special order these items for you. I will be hard to get ahold of this week as we got a large shipment in that needs to be inventoried and shipped out and Friday I won't be here as I need to go help my mom out for the weekend.

 

[Herbie]

Thanks Roger........I will see if I can order the filter parts I need from Tunze(you) direct. I will try and see if the online order form works for the filter media........cant remember if it will let you put the replacement media in the cart besides parts? I will find out........
As always Roger.............THANKS again !!!
Later,.........Herbie