roger ? skimmer micro bubbles

[genzod66]

hey,i had a bout w micro bublles and skimmer not making foam a few months ago, and it finally settled down,you had said its likely calcium,then it was skimming great and no bubbles,then a couple weeks later its putting out micro bubbles,and has been for over a month,its skimming great , just a lot of bubbles,ive cleaned it,ive stopped using calcium for a week or so,no difference ?? what can I do ??? its a 9025 big skimmer about 5 years old ? thanks man your the best

 

[genzod66]

its a 9016 ,like I said its making great skim ,just a lot of bubbles coming out ,micro bubbles

 

[rvitko]

Is it being used in tank or in sump?

 

[rvitko]

I should clarify, are you using the included sump kit or not, i.e, is the stand pipe, solid bottom lid and connector between the pump and intake grate installed.

 

[genzod66]

Yes in sump, w sump kit, everything is in order, the blue foam on the return pipe is pretty beat 6 years old , could that do it ? its skimming fine just putting a ton of micro bubbles out ?

 

[rvitko]

Where do the bubbles exit from? The foam sponge is not likely a culprit. In general, I would try raising the water level if the bubbles are being introduced by the water exiting the back hole or the pipe and also try directing the output of the back vent hole against the sump wall.

 

[genzod66]

Back hole is already hitting sump wall, water level is the same as its always been for 6 years ? What else could do this, im at a loss

 

[rvitko]

Unfortunately, I am as well. Without getting the skimmer in to check out and test, I don't have any further ideas. It might be worthwhile to try it in a friends or other set up to rule out any environmental factors, a surfactant in the water or gas saturation for example.

 

[genzod66]

What would cause those two enviromental things ? I have been using purple up ? Could calcium cause this ?

 

[rvitko]

Calcium on its own would not but it could affect other things which could cause it. Oxygen saturation will usually happen with a lot of large water changes or a new tank or a lot of fast growing soft corals and algaes. Usually the key indicator of oxygen saturation is the bubbles get worse, the longer the lights are on. The purple up could be causing faster growth.
CO2 saturation is less common but can happen when the KH is excessive, usually 16dKh+. This will result in constant bubble issues until the KH is reduced, a lot calcium carbonate will build up quickly on heaters and pumps in this case. The purple up could be raising the KH too high.
If purple up has any foods (sugars or organics like vinegar) this could also be an issue, a lot of bacteria growth in the water.