Tunze 9004 microbubble hell

[gus6464]

Ok so I've had this thing running for 3 months now. I know microbubbles are supposed to be a thing when it's breaking in but it's getting worse. I have taken the thing apart, completely cleaned it, and made sure the impeller is facing up and nothing.

 

[rvitko]

Where do the bubbles come from (side/ bottom/ front grate)? Is the skimmer installed in a tank, sump or built in filter compartment? Any strong flow under or near the skimmer is a definite cause so be sure it is not in a return pump compartment.

 

[gus6464]

Where do the bubbles come from (side/ bottom/ front grate)? Is the skimmer installed in a tank, sump or built in filter compartment? Any strong flow under or near the skimmer is a definite cause so be sure it is not in a return pump compartment.

Bubbles come from bottom and side. Also I have to keep the air valve pretty much closed or it floods the collection cup very quickly. I have an RW-4 on the same side but it's not near the bottom or very close to the side. I have checked and not much flow at all is hitting the skimmer on any side.

 

[rvitko]

For the side leaks, make sure the skimmer body is fully closed, squeeze hard on the back and front halves to force them together. The side leaks tend to go away with time if the skimmer is not disturbed too much as the small gaps are coated by debris and biofilm within a couple weeks but if their are a lot, it is not fully closed, a piece may be obstructing it or it just needs to be firmly squeezed together.

Bubbles from the bottom can indicate a piece missing (small round translucent plug on the bottom of the skimmer or small rectangular cap with Tunze logo on the pump), or it can indicate improper submersion depth or a strong flow, while the pump may not be directly pulling bubbles, what can happen is water overflowing from one partition into the next will carry bubbles, slowing the return pump may help if it has an adjustment or a valve can be added. If the skimmer is submerged to the correct depth a visible waterfall into the skimmer is present, the water will fall in about 1", if no waterfall is present it is too deep, if the waterfall is extreme and the skimmer is starved for water, this can also be an issue.