microbubbles from nano skimmer

[er1c_the_reefer]

i recently bought a nanoskimmer for one of my smaller tanks. i've set it up according to the manual. it's been running for a few weeks now and everything is fine, however, i'm getting a large amount of microbubbles going back into the tank.

i tried troubleshooting with instructions from the book, find algae doesn't seem to be the problem, nor are there any powerheads near by.

the microbubbles appear to be pouring out the bottom of the skimmer. what could be the problem?

 

[rvitko]

Eric,

I would try to check that the bottom plate is properly seated and I would double check the KH. A high KH can aggrevate this problem. Any subtstance that changes surface tenson like slime coat additives, amino acids and fatty foods can also cause this.

 

[er1c_the_reefer]

i just double checked everything. just to make sure, the nano skimmer has two slits on the bottom, as opposed to the nano-filter, which has no slits correct?

i just double checked my KH, it's at 1.8-2.0, so i'm guessing that's not the problem. i haven't added anything to my tank lately, but i do feed frozen cyclopeeze once or twice a week. do you think that'll do it?

 

[NanoReefaholic]

I'm having the same problem with my nanoskimmer. It seems that when I keep the water level higher than the mark on the pump the micro bubbles aren't as bad, but they're still there. I've also restricted the air intake alot but this can't be right.

 

[asmujica]

NanoReefaholic

[welcome]

 

[er1c_the_reefer]

ok, i fixed it. i don't know exactly what i did but here's what happened:

i just left it on for a few days and did a water change. as i was doing the water change, the skimmer ran dry for maybe 2-3 minutes. after that, it was fine. i don't know whether it was the water change or letting it run dry for a little that helped.

 

[rvitko]

Probably some air accumulated and was purged by the change. The skimmers are designed with a pump that is a bit too strong, this is intentional so that when the pump has some debris and wear it is still at it's best but this means when brand new it is a bit too much.