Reducing air bubbles from sump drain pipe

[Carey1465]

I have the Trigger systems Ruby 36 elite and this particular model comes with 3 drains. 1 drain goes into the refugium and 2 goes into the skimmer compartment. The issue I'm having is the drain that's in the refugium is creating a lot of bubbles and it's causing a lot of salt creep and my refugium light is getting wet due to the bubbles popping.

I thought about adding a sock filter to the refugium drain but it's kinda hard to stuff a sock into this:

(Picture is from the internet) the drain pipe goes into a cylinder that's in the refugium.

One idea I had was to drill holes on the side of the drain pipe. I also thought about adding a sponge near that drain but I'm afraid it may clog up and then I'll have a serious issue.

Does anyone else have this sump that had this same issue? I plan on calling Trigger systems tomorrow to see what kind of ideas they have.


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[billdogg]

I use a PVC "T" fitting placed so that the leg of the T is just above the water line. That allows the air to escape while still directing the water down to the sump.

hth

 

[AFord]

Are you using a bean animal drain?

If so you could put the full siphon and emergency drains into the skimmer section and put the second drain into the refugium section. This would slow down the water amount going in and eliminate the salt creep and bubbles.

 

[Carey1465]

I use a PVC "T" fitting placed so that the leg of the T is just above the water line. That allows the air to escape while still directing the water down to the sump.

hth

So basically turn the "T" upside down?


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[Carey1465]

Are you using a bean animal drain?



If so you could put the full siphon and emergency drains into the skimmer section and put the second drain into the refugium section. This would slow down the water amount going in and eliminate the salt creep and bubbles.

Never heard of a bean animal drain. Lol. I have the durso standpipe. I only have two drains. What do you mean by "emergency drain"?


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[ryeguyy84]

you could also try a reverse durso on the drain. it really helped quite down and minimize bubbles on my drain line.

 

[billdogg]

No. Sideways. So that the "arms" go up and down, the leg to the side. Hth


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[Carey1465]

No. Sideways. So that the "arms" go up and down, the leg to the side. Hth


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Gotcha. I'll head to Lowes in a few mins and pick up the supplies.


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[Carey1465]

you could also try a reverse durso on the drain. it really helped quite down and minimize bubbles on my drain line.

I saw that idea online but the only issue I have is there is a acrylic cylinder cemented to the bottom of the sump that the drain pipe goes into. I'll check to see if there's enough room to add the elbow.


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[ryeguyy84]

I saw that idea online but the only issue I have is there is a acrylic cylinder cemented to the bottom of the sump that the drain pipe goes into. I'll check to see if there's enough room to add the elbow.


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yeah you might be able to cut the black pipe and put the reverse durso in using something like this. . .

http://www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-PVC-DWV-H-x-H-x-H-Wye-C4810HD2/100677986

fair notice, i'm not a plumber

Edit:
like this thread

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1960063

 

[Carey1465]

Well I tried the two ideas the members mentioned in the post but neither one worked. Trigger system emailed me back and recommended me to put a draw string sock filter on it.


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[ryeguyy84]

Now that I'm thinking about it how many drains does your tank have? I googled the sump and then re read your initial post and realized this isn't a primary drain. Since this goes to the fuge why not put a valve on it (assuming you're tee'ing a drain line) and slow down the flow so you get less bubbles?

 

[Carey1465]

Now that I'm thinking about it how many drains does your tank have? I googled the sump and then re read your initial post and realized this isn't a primary drain. Since this goes to the fuge why not put a valve on it (assuming you're tee'ing a drain line) and slow down the flow so you get less bubbles?

I have two drains. One drain goes to the refugium and the other drain is split and goes to the two drains that go to the skimmer compartment. Is it a good idea to put a valve on the drain for the refugium? Will that cause the other drain to do more work and possibly won't drain fast enough?

Not sure if that pic will help.

I though about turning my return back a little. It's running about 3/4 power now. (Jebao dct-15000)


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[jason2459]

If I ran a durso I would put both drains from the tank to the skimmer section.

Then T off the return to the refugium section and a valve to control its flow.

 

[ryeguyy84]

If I ran a durso I would put both drains from the tank to the skimmer section.

Then T off the return to the refugium section and a valve to control its flow.

This ^^^ or run both drains to the skimmer section and tee one of them for the fuge with a valve

 

[Carey1465]

This ^^^ or run both drains to the skimmer section and tee one of them for the fuge with a valve

So I would "T" one of the drains right before it goes into the sock filter? That way there won't be much flow going to the refugium?


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[Carey1465]

Just thought of something. I have two 90 degree elbows on the drain. I wonder if the elbows have something to do with all the bubbles. The water comes into the drain and hits the first elbow and crashes. Then the water goes into the next elbow and crashes again causing the bubbles. So if I can make a straight path for the water to travel, maybe there will be less bubbles. Just an idea


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[ryeguyy84]

I'm not sure on that, I have 2 90's as well and not that many bubbles so maybe not but can't say for certain. On my last tank I split the drain right after the bulkhead and put a valve before the fuge.

Here's a pic

 

[Carey1465]

I'm not sure on that, I have 2 90's as well and not that many bubbles so maybe not but can't say for certain. On my last tank I split the drain right after the bulkhead and put a valve before the fuge.

Here's a pic

I think I may go with your idea. I was researching this evening and I found another option. Have both drains go to the filter socks and have a small pump, pump water in the refugium. Only thing is my skimmer takes up most of the compartment and may not be able to fit a small pump.


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[ryeguyy84]

Or tap the return line like Jason suggested