Tunze 9001 micro bubbles

[VJV]

Hi there Roger, finally got an excuse and bought the 9001 for my QT [emoji1].

However, it is making a ton of micro bubbles in the tank. When I tried to switch the position of the intake to use the surface skimming accessory I did not pull the pump out enough and heard a small crack. When I removed the foamer (9001.040) I noticed that the impeller cover (9004.042) was loose from the motor block. I have since re attached and was wondering if this is what is causing the bubbles, I.e., whether the impeller cover should be glued to the motor in order not to allow bubbles to escape...?

I guess this is not the case since the impeller cover is sold as a separate part so it should not be glued to the motor or the shaft, but just wondering.

I also know that being a QT with constant large water changes there is a high oxygen content which perhaps means the bubbles will never go away...?

Help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Kind regards

Vasco

 

[rvitko]

I made this write up for the 9004 but the basics apply to the 9001 and 9012 as well. I would also keep in mind that bubbles will be far worse for the first week then they will be after that, they will progressively get less and less until the skimmer has been run for about 2 weeks. The 9001 also will have less bubbles set up as it was delivered, this directs the output to the pump so bubbles are drawn back in, I would wait to add the surface skimmer after break in if bubbles are a big concern. The piece you mention just clicks on, it should not be glued.

Mechanical causes
1) Starting the skimmer with the air closed instead of fully open, this starts the water flow at a maximum and the air is added to the far more vigorous water movement, it can take up to a week to drop to normal. Always start the skimmer with the air fully open and then adjust as needed.

2)Incorrect water depth, when submerged to the correct depth a distinct waterfall into the skimmer will be visible, it is critical that this is correct or a lot of bubbles will result. You should see the water drop in roughly 1/2-1", if no waterfall is present, it is too deep, if the pump makes a chugging or struggling noise it is too shallow. (9004/9012 only) Bubbles will generally be worse when the skimmer is too deeply submerged (all models)

3) Broken or damaged or debris filled needle wheel, please inspect this, if you have too many bubbles, the only real thing to check here is that no algae strands or debris which would make the needle wheel "bigger" is trapped inside.

4) The part pictured below may have come loose from the pump in shipping, bubbles will then shoot out from the pump, it simply plugs in and may come loose in shipping.

Water Chemistry Issues
1) A surfactant is present, surfactants are substances that act like detergent, they affect the size and travel of bubbles by essentially making water more slippery. If any of the following have been added within the last 2 weeks this is a possible cause- amino acid and vitamin supplements, dechlorinator, stress coat, medications, algaecides, some filter medias such as organic scavenger resins and non phenol free floss. Cease use and generally an improvement will be noticed within a week.

2) Oxygen saturation, this is one that is easy to identify, the bubbles get worse as the daylight hours progress and are at the least right before the lights come on. The tank is likely new, algaes and some soft corals are growing quickly and the water is supersaturated with oxygen and it cannot remain dissolved, the pump of the skimmer causes a pressure change and adds more oxygen resulting in the excess escaping.

Installation issues
1) The skimmer is near a pump, a return pump under the skimmer or a power head aimed at the skimmer will pull bubbles out, the skimmer needs to be in a relatively calm area. Relocate it away from strong flow, turn down any return pump near.