Hey guys I am having a problem with micro bubbles. They just keep spitting out of my returns and it's getting really annoying. It's a 125 and nothing is piped( could be the problem). I just have hoses. It's so bad I can't really see one end of tank to the other end all I see is bubbles. Was wondering if anybody had any advice on how to stop them. Will post pictures when I figure out how to do so. Since I'm new here. Thanks!!!
Micro bubbles
- Thread starter Dave0331
- Start date
gone fishin
New member
Is the skimmer spitting out bubbles?
Do you see bubbles in the sump?
Is the return pump pulling in air? maybe the water level is to low
Do you have a powerhead sitting to close to the surface pulling in air?
Do you see bubbles in the sump?
Is the return pump pulling in air? maybe the water level is to low
Do you have a powerhead sitting to close to the surface pulling in air?
Hi my power heads are on each side of tank halfway down pointing straight forward. My skimmer is not producing bubbles. And I don't think water level is to low for pump to pull out water don't even know how to check that to be honest. I did notice that when the water falls to the compartment where the skimmer is, its almost like its creating foam.. I tried post pictures so you could see how it's set up and show you the bubbles but site won't upload pictures keeps saying it failed. I'm on iPad so if you know a way to do it please let me know that too thanks
gone fishin
New member
For pictures a lot of folks use a photobucket account and upload them.
It sounds like your drain lines are above your sump level? If so try putting the ending the drains just below the water surface.
Do you have any weirs in the sump to help cut back on the bubbles?
I am at work now so chances are I will not be able to see a picture till this evening. Hopefully someone else will be able to help.
It sounds like your drain lines are above your sump level? If so try putting the ending the drains just below the water surface.
Do you have any weirs in the sump to help cut back on the bubbles?
I am at work now so chances are I will not be able to see a picture till this evening. Hopefully someone else will be able to help.
gone fishin
New member
well it sounds like it is something in the sump then. You can try to turn of your skimmer for a bit to see if the bubbles clear up. If that does it then hopefully it is a matter of fine tuning the skimmer.
gone fishin
New member
I would be inclined to say it is probably not the skimmer then, I would say you should see a difference in an hour or two.
Are your drain lines below the water level in the sump?
Do you have weirs/bubble traps in the sump?
Are your drain lines below the water level in the sump?
Do you have weirs/bubble traps in the sump?
Okay so I was checking my skimmer and I picked up the outlet and it was foaming pretty good as you can see in the picture.I do not have any bubble traps or anything in the sump I don't exactly know what you mean by return over skimmer so I took a picture of that also so you can see how this system is
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gone fishin
New member
I believe you found the source. What type of skimmer do you have?
The weir/ bubble trap I was referring to is something that will usually separate the sump compartments and help to remove bubbles while the water moves to the return pump section.
It will typically consist of water flowing over the first weir then the water will be pushed under a middle baffle then finally over the top of the last one. The three baffles are usually spaced about an inch apart.
The weir/ bubble trap I was referring to is something that will usually separate the sump compartments and help to remove bubbles while the water moves to the return pump section.
It will typically consist of water flowing over the first weir then the water will be pushed under a middle baffle then finally over the top of the last one. The three baffles are usually spaced about an inch apart.
gone fishin
New member
I thought it might be a coralife. I had one, I think it was my first one, and had annoying bubble issues. I eventually got rid of it. I found it to be really touchy and could never really get rid of all the bubbles.
I made my own sump from an old 55g tank. I had some 1/4" glass pieces cut to size then silicone them in place to make the weirs. I have not owned a manufactured sump. Google melev's reef for some decent pics of sumps and weirs.
I made my own sump from an old 55g tank. I had some 1/4" glass pieces cut to size then silicone them in place to make the weirs. I have not owned a manufactured sump. Google melev's reef for some decent pics of sumps and weirs.
gone fishin
New member
You may be able to modify it if you would like to, but it would have to come offline to do it.
I wouldn't even know how to replace my sump to put in a new one.I bought everything used in the beginning I have gradually been upgrading everything the only thing I have not upgraded is the tank itself the sump and the stand I want to upgrade to sump but I don't see how to replace it without taking apart the tank which kind of annoys me. I just put in a sponge where it goes from the skimmer compartment to the return compartment Hoping that will make it better.I did hear that the skimmer is not that great I got it because that is what my lfs told me to buy I think they noticed I was new to salt water and they Tried to get a sale out of me.In what do you mean go offline
gone fishin
New member
It would take some planning but the sump could probably be replaced. Take some measurements to make sure it could can be removed. Then use the measurements to figure out what size you could get under the tank.
If you want to make one they are fairly straight forward with minimal handyman skills. If you decide to replace the sump let me know and I will try to help.
Don't feel bad about the skimmer that is how I ended up with mine. I would suggest checking in here when wanting to purchase a specific piece of equipment. You should be able to get the good and bad about what is out there before heading to the LFs or online.
If you want to make one they are fairly straight forward with minimal handyman skills. If you decide to replace the sump let me know and I will try to help.
Don't feel bad about the skimmer that is how I ended up with mine. I would suggest checking in here when wanting to purchase a specific piece of equipment. You should be able to get the good and bad about what is out there before heading to the LFs or online.
gone fishin
New member
That would be an ideal time to make the swap. I think a 40B would make a good candidate. you could get it ready ahead of time have everything silicone and cured ready to go.
electrician, that reminds me I need to call and get some quotes to have my shop switched over to breakers from fuses.
electrician, that reminds me I need to call and get some quotes to have my shop switched over to breakers from fuses.
gone fishin
New member
sure thing feel free to shoot me a pm
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