tunze 9001 producing lots of microbubbles

[AngelandNathan]

I purchased a tunze 9001 nano skimmer in June for my biocube and since installing it I have noticed a lot of microbubbles in the aquarium. I don't know if its something I should just get used to or if I need to change something about the skimmer set up?

 

[rvitko]

Their are many possible causes, I will outline them in order of probability-

1) Strong flow by the skimmer, especially under it. If their is an undertow from a return pump or powerhead aimed under it this will suck the bubbles down from the skimmer.

2) Skimmer not submerged to the correct depth, if it is too deep or shallow their will be a lot more bubbles. The optimal is about 5.5-6" submerged.

3) Use of additives which contain surfactants (stress coat, dechlorinator, amino acid and vitamin supplements and medications)

4) Saturated Oxygen levels, this one is fairly obvious as the bubbles will get worse the longer the lights are on.

5) Try the pump installed so the intake faces the flow deflector, this will produce the least bubbles in any case.

 

[AngelandNathan]

thank you, I appreciate the advice. This is my first experience with a protein skimmer and wasn't sure if that was just in their nature or if I was not using it correctly.

 

[rvitko]

It shouldn't be the norm, we work pretty hard on eliminating bubbles as much as is possible without using bulky bubble traps, but it is not impossible to see some bubbles with various installs and water chemistry.