Less Microbubbles in Tank With External Skimmer??

[Kengar]

In general, will an external skimmer result in less micro bubbles in tank?

I have always used in-sump skimmers over the years. Euro reef, bk, and currently a reef octopus 220 double cone in various tanks. Current skimmer is putting far more micro bubbles into display than I would like. So, I'm considering whether to try a different skimmer "” particularly an external skimmer. Hence the question.

Thanks

 

[mcgyvr]

In general...no

 

[Misled]

That, ^^^, it shouldn't matter.

 

[wildman926]

What type of sump do you have? Chambered?

 

[Kengar]

Sump does have a smallish refugium section downstream of the main section the skimmer sits in, set off by flow-through (not over) baffle/wall. And there is a flow-over wall with grated weir for over and down and under flow to return pump chamber. But still a ton of bubbles are getting into display — and that’s with the skimmer pump (Varios) on lowest setting! (If I move the skimmer pump to next setting, there is instantly so much flow into the skimmer that I have to open the outlet tube so much (to prevent overflow into collection cup) that the rate of flow out increases and the bottom of the foam level drops so much that even more bubbles come pouring out.

My further thinking with an external configuration is that I could put a filter sock under the outlet to help filter out the bubbles.

 

[wildman926]

Sump does have a smallish refugium section downstream of the main section the skimmer sits in, set off by flow-through (not over) baffle/wall. And there is a flow-over wall with grated weir for over and down and under flow to return pump chamber. But still a ton of bubbles are getting into display "” and that's with the skimmer pump (Varios) on lowest setting! (If I move the skimmer pump to next setting, there is instantly so much flow into the skimmer that I have to open the outlet tube so much (to prevent overflow into collection cup) that the rate of flow out increases and the bottom of the foam level drops so much that even more bubbles come pouring out.

My further thinking with an external configuration is that I could put a filter sock under the outlet to help filter out the bubbles.

Here is what I have done in my output of my Reef Dynamics skimmer. This is the first chamber where water flows through a wall to the second chamber.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[Kengar]

Here is what I have done in my output of my Reef Dynamics skimmer. This is the first chamber where water flows through a wall to the second chamber.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

I assume you are showing a U or J you put on the end to direct flow up, correct? If so, good suggestion! I'll try a sweep elbow on my outlet (which is horizontal) pointed up, with a strainer and a sponge filter around it mounted into the outlet of the elbow.... perhaps that will kill the bubbles....

 

[wildman926]

Yes that is correct. Between that, and being the first of 3 chambers I get no micro bubbles. A foam will help just dont forget to add it to your maintenance to clean. A sweep elbow will put all of your micro bubbles to to top.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[Kengar]

Yes that is correct. Between that, and being the first of 3 chambers I get no micro bubbles. A foam will help just dont forget to add it to your maintenance to clean. A sweep elbow will put all of your micro bubbles to to top.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

And of course it's metric T-fitting on the skimmer outlet....... sigh! Already ordered a 50 mm x 1.5 inch adapter. Not sure how it's configured, i.e., whether each end functions as a spigot (in which case it will slip into the outlet hole of the fitting) or whether it's a female slip socket (in which case I'll have to order a 50 mm pipe connector to connect the adapter to the T outlet). Still, though, if it works, it will be less expensive than buying a new external skimmer and having the outlet flow into a filter sock.....