microbubbles from Sump question

[Reefer PT]

My 93 gal has a sump that is a 20 gal tank with a bubble baffle glued into it. Very basic, disorganized and very inept at reducing microbubbles. So I've been looking at acrylic sumps. They are rated for a DT size but not flow of water through them so can't be certain it would help. Most things that will fit below a 30"x30" tank will not accommodate my BRS dual reacter and my G3 skimmer as well. I've used the sponge in the baffle and on the mag 9.5 which doesn't seem to help with the microbubbles. would an external pump help? More baffles? somehow change the inflow of water which is very turbulent? Any Ideas on how to reduce microbubbles?
Thanks
Dave

 

[thegrun]

If adding the sponge didn't help I would see if there is something you can do to reduce the microbubbles at the source (I assume it's the skimmer). If the bubbles are getting past the sponge I doubt adding another baffle will solve the issue. I haven't used the G3 skimmer, but perhaps someone else who has can chime in.

 

[shesacharmer]

I couldn't get rid of the microbubbles from my old skimmer so I ran it's outlet into a filter sock. The water going in was clean so it didn't require changing very often.

 

[Reefer PT]

Been thinking about doing a gate valve mod on the skimmer anyway. Good time to add a sock. Thanks

 

[buddhafish]

I couldn't get rid of the microbubbles from my old skimmer so I ran it's outlet into a filter sock. The water going in was clean so it didn't require changing very often.

+1
If it's from your protein skimmer, re-route to a filter sock. Really, from what I understand, you can have any gph through your sump that you want (as long as your tank overflow can keep up). One idea I have seen before, is using rock in the sump to catch the bubbles.

 

[buddhafish]

Well not any, I see recommendations for 5-8 total display gph through sump.

 

[intyme]

Filter sock helped me

 

[whosurcaddie]

You could always create another set of baffles over under over and that would do the trick.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/Baffles/bafflesart.htm

 

[coralsnaked]

Try floss intead of sponge. Better at trapping bubbles on the top or front of inflow.

 

[Ben34105]

Another vote for a filter sock.

 

[reepher315]

Also voting filter sock. Ill never run without one again.

 

[Evelio118]

you could always create another set of baffles over under over and that would do the trick.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/baffles/bafflesart.htm

+1

 

[JoelA7]

OP says inflow is very turbulent by which I understand that the water entering the sump is mixed with air. This may be the source of the air that becomes micro bubbles when forced through your return pump. That's the way it works on my tank as there have never been any bubbles exiting into the sump from the skimmer flow. I have a Herbie system and by careful adjustment with a gate valve I have a perfectly "solid" stream of water. I used a short length of vinyl tubing to extend the drains below the water line in the sump as well. Silent. Zero bubbles.

 

[Reefer PT]

I would love to do a herbie system but I believe I would have to drill another hole. Not an option on this tank. I will add the filter sock to the inflow and gate valve mod my skimmer and attach a sock. And see if that helps. I didn't exactly want to run socks as its more maintenance but guess its needed.
Thanks

 

[JoelA7]

Herbie--3 holes needed.

 

[Reefer PT]

Maybe when I upgrade I'll do a herbie