I hate microbubbles

[JTEAGUE]

Did I mention I hate microbubbles. I bought a new Ocean Runner 3500 pump and now I have microbubbles. I have tried evrything I can think of. Return line empties into a filter sock, skimmer empties into a filter sox, I don't see microbubbles in the sump and I've put a ball valve on the return side and adjusted with no sucess. I,ve changed the locline out.

When I look down in the overflow I see small bubbles but don't see them in the sump. So I am confused, frustrated, and upset.

I hate microbubbles.
:eek2: :mad2:

 

[Capt_Cully]

It's usually a plumbing problem. check your lines, maybe change your hose clamps. It can be frustrating to find the culprit. Good Luck.

 

[kingfisher62]

I know what you mean !
If it is like any of the protein skimmers I have bought in the past ,it might need a breakin period.
Recheck all your connections exposed to air.
Good luck!

 

[JTEAGUE]

I think I have tried everything short of glueing the 3/4 inch nipple into the Ocean Runner pump. Which I'm sure would be a bad idea seeings how it has an o ring on it.

 

[JTEAGUE]

I also though about the break in period. I did not worry about it at first, it has been three weeks. The break in was my hope but I think that one went out the window.

 

[zach202]

What do you mean by plumbing problems?

 

[JTEAGUE]

Plumbing problems as referred to in this thread would be air entering into a return line somewhere between the return pump and the return exit into the tank. Probably between the return pump and bulkhead (less than two feet). Sounds easy to fix but such a headache.

 

[zach202]

Would it be possible to have this issue without a water leak? Ive got the same issue and its driving me crazy.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Is there something on the suction side of the pump causing a restriction? Describe your sump and all your overflow and return plumbing including sizes and lengths. Do you have baffles between the skimmer section and the return section?

 

[JTEAGUE]

AZDesertRat - The pump did have a plate over the intake which I removed. The sump is a Pro Clear Aquatics 200. It does not really have baffles for the purpose of bubbles, so I use the filter socks. The return plumbing is 3/4 in. flex tubing with a ball valve and stainless steal hose clamps. The hose from pump to bulkhead is about two feet long. The overflow is an AGA rated at 600 GPH and drains through a flex spa type hose into a fiter sock. Currently the ball valve is closed about a quarter turn. If I had to guess I'd say I'm pushing 400-500 GPH. I dont see any bubbles in the sump hence ny confussion. with my old pump the filter socks solved the microbubbles. I hope I covered everything you asked. Thanks

 

[chaseracing]

Is there air in your return lines, or do you have a solid stream of water?

-=E=-

 

[AZDesertRat]

The return side is probably fine. You really do need baffles to solve a microbubble problem even with perfect plumbing. Turn the lights out and shine a flash light through to sump from side to side and see how cloudy it is, bubbles will show up you could not see before if they are present.

 

[JTEAGUE]

I have a solid stream. I even tried shaking the return pump to make any bubbles rise. I also covered the ends of the locline to build up back pressure for any air, all to no avail!

 

[JTEAGUE]

AZDesertRat - I dont have lights on the sump, and I do use the flashlight and do not see bubbles. I was afraid I would have to make some baffles but was not sure if that would work since I saw no bubbles?

 

[kryppy]

Micro bubble problems never leak water with the system on.
Sometimes when it is off you can find a tiny drip on the threads of the fitting causing it, they are always somewhere in the intake portion, since any problem on the outlet side will leak water out and not make bubbles.

Sometimes pouring water over the fittings will reveal the suction leak....and epoxy will then cure it if it is a PITA to fix or is a glued joint.

A snail or other restriction in or near the pump intake can cause the water to cavatate throwing air pulled out of the water everywhere as micro bubbles, and the water test will find nothing.

This scenario got me good recently...

 

[JTEAGUE]

kryppy - Thanks I had not thought of that. I will look into it when i get home.

 

[Icefire]

Is the locline fully submerged?

They can draw air.

 

[JTEAGUE]

Yes it is submerged, I even switched it out to check for air.