Suggestions for reducing micro bubbles from a gate valve

[mtp]

RC Folks

My protein skimmer has a gate valve. The water level of the sump is just above the top of the gate valve. Currently I have an excessive amount of micro bubbles flowing out of the skimmer from the gate valve. Will raising the level of the skimmer to set the water level just below the gate valve or in the middle of the gate valve reduce the amount of micro bubbles? Also, any thoughts on using filter sock in this regard?

Thanks, Mike