Tunze 9015 trillions of micro bubbles

[aquaconnect]

I just got my new tunze 9015 and trillions of micro bubbles are coming out the bottom of the skimmer where the bottom disks snaps into place. I've taken it apart 5 times and put it back together and nothing has helped.

Obviously, my display is filled with these bubbles as well, what am I missing here?

 

[rvitko]

Bottom disk? Do you mean the plug for the hole you would insert the pipe into? Are you using it in tank? If so, be sure you DID NOT install the coupler between the pump and front grate, this is only for in tank use. Be sure the pump installed so that the outlet nozzle with the venturi is inserted into the clear jet pipe. Be sure that the shutter door on the front intake is completely closed. Microbubbles can have numerous causes but these are the only technical possibilities. Other causes include, new plastic repelling water, this will dissipate with age and use, oxygen or CO2 saturation, this will require removing algae or decreasing the KH or photoperiod. Agents that change surface tension, main culprits are algaecides, medications, stress coats, dechlorinator and vitamin additives, filter socks and cartridges which are made with phenols can also be a major culprit.

 

[aquaconnect]

No, not the plug from the hole, I mean the sliding base where the feet attach. This in an in sump setup with 8" of water depth. There is no coupler. Everything is attached properly.

Also, tank has been set up for 2 years, just upgrading skimmer. No med's or anything like that, this is an established reef, nor filter socks etc.

Also, the pump is really hot! I took it apart to double check everything you mentioned above, and the the pump is really, really warm to the touch, infact warmer than the mag 7 return pump. Is this normal? I took the impeller out and looked at everything and all looks well. I'm worried about this, because my tank went from a consistent 79 degrees to 84 degrees since the tunze install. I'm hoping that it's not normal, but everything looks good when taken apart and put back together. Also, it hasn't produced any skimmate yet, although it's only been 4 days, and I assumed it would since the skimmer I had on before this produced quite a bit. Suggestions??? This doesn't seem to be performing like I thought it would, especially with the heat it's making.

 

[rvitko]

If you are using it in sump you have to use the coupler.

You must have the coupler, the bottom plate with the suction cup feet and the outlet pipe installed. Water must be exiting the outlet pipe. It sounds like the pump is ingesting air somehow and running very hot as a result. Something is not assembled correctly. When operating correctly the pump uses only about 25W so it should add virtually no heat. If it is running dry or with a lot of air or the inlet is plugged it will get quite hot. Do you have any photos of the installation you can post?

 

[aquaconnect]

No, just a simple install in an individual sump compartment that's 8" consistent level. I use a Tunze auto top off in that chamber because before I had a bubble king and it had to ALWAYS have the same level of water in it or the riser tube had to be always adjusted.

I tell you, everything is together like it's supposed to be. I understand how it goes together. There aren't any clogs. Nothing is blocking the inlet. If you have a cell phone that accepts pics I can send one that way, just don't have a digi camera or a way to upload pics to my cpu.

Any other suggestions? I read here on RC that one individual had a new unit and the pump went bad within a month, got a new pump, and it went bad as well. Has there been problems?

 

[rvitko]

In early 2007 we had some bad pumps but that doesn't seem to be the issue here. To run without the pipe the skimmer needs at least 9.4" of water and 10-11" is really the ideal. You are welcome to send in the skimmer but I am fairly positive this is an installation issue. It is not submerged deep enough, the water level is so low that there is additional air space. You must use the slotted bottom plate if it will be in sump without the pipe.

 

[aquaconnect]

I do have the riser installed along with the solid bottom plate, along with the upgraded skimmer cup for a remote waste container.

 

[rvitko]

Does water exit the outlet pipe.

 

[aquaconnect]

Yes

 

[rvitko]

I will need to get the skimmer back to figure this out, I am sorry but it should be a pretty quick process, Missouri is only about 3 days by UPS.

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin TX 78753

Send me everything except the cup.