Micro bubbles coming from return!!!!

[SteveNMegz]

Hey guys

We just noticed that our return pipe from the sump is either shooting out or making a lot of microbubbles.

We're not sure if there would be air trapped in the return line (clear tube, and it doesn't look like it), or perhaps the water is existing the pipe to close to the surface.

Here are some pics, from the sump we have a Mag5 pump, feeding a 3/4" clear tubing to the CPVC piping on the back of the tank, a 90 goes over the tank wall another brings it down, and another directs flow across the surface.

What could be the possible problem???

Thanks!

 

[dsn112]

How long have you had this running?

Has it done it since the very begining?

Sometimes the pvc has to build up a slime coat and until it does, it causes bubbles.

 

[SteveNMegz]

I think weve had it up about a week.....The tanks been cloudy since we started it.. so you think it just has to run longer to build up that slime? are the bubbles going to hurt our fish or frags? were starting to notice bigger bubbles build up on the rock and zoas

 

[firedogg2]

It looks like there is a lot of bubbles on the pump side of your sump. If that is the case, your pump is just moving the bubbles form your sump to you display. Try putting a sponge in between one of your baffles. Did the trick for me.

 

[SteveNMegz]

BUMP

 

[Tarpon001]

I was on the Euro Reef website today and found this in their FAQ area.

Q#4. I bought a Euro-reef several months ago and recently I have been having a problem with micro bubbles escaping from the skimmer and going into the sump. I took the pump out to check for leaks and found none. I can't tell where the bubbles are escaping from. Any advice would be appreciated.

A#4.The only place they could be coming from is the riser pipe assembly. Under normal operating conditions, the level of bubbles in the skimmer body does not drop low enough to allow bubbles to exit via the riser pipe assembly. If the venturi is clogged and the pump is pulling more water than air, more turbulence will be created in the reaction chamber and this can force air bubbles to the bottom of the chamber where they can escape out the riser pipe. To correct this problem, you can prepare some warm R.O. water and dip the airline tube in the cup allowing it to suck up the warm water. This will aid in dissolving any build up of salt crystals or dust that has accumilated in the venturi's intake nipple. If the clog is due to the build up of calcium, follow the instructions HERE to service the pump and clear the pathway for airflow.

If the venturi is clear and the skimmer is still expelling bubbles, it may be caused by the over production bubbles and there are two reason this may be happening:

1. The filtering of water with excessive amounts of organics.

2. The filtering of water with an excessive amounts of a foaming agent of some kind i.e.:

a) Water conditioners (Amquel, Novaqua, Stress Coat, Prime etc), trace elements, medications, resins,

b) chemical residue on filter material (Polyfilters, filter socks, sponges etc).

There are two things you can do to adjust the skimmer and aid in the removal of the excessive substance.

1) Use the airline control valve to adjust the skimmers air intake (included with all skimmers manufactured after May 2005). That will limit the amount of bubbles that are produced. Once the foaming agent is removed, you can open the valve more or remove it completely.

2) Add 1 lb per 100 gallons of HIGH QUALITY GAC (Granular Activated Carbon), that will quickly remove most foaming agents.

Besides that, you just have to wait it out. It's not the skimmer, it's what's in the water.

 

[kokain00]

I also hae this problem haven't found a solution though!

 

[nmbeg]

I had a similar problem, but the bubbles were entirely coming from the water return and the sump return as the large volumes of water flowed into the sump. I tried bubble traps, live rock, etc, all unsucesful....

then I used a filter sock and all the bubbles magically disappeared. I did not not want to have any sort of mechanical filter in my setup, as it only attracts detritus, but i had no option... the filter sock worked too well.

Also, bubbles can be created if there is a waterfall in the baffle system, so keep the water level high enough to prevent any sort of waterfall effect.

If you need clarification, I can provide pics.

 

[nmbeg]

ps. what's "BUMP" ????

 

[DawnOctopus]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11648691#post11648691 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nmbeg
ps. what's "BUMP" ????

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