Tunze 9016 Micro bubbles

[salty316]

Roger,

I have a Tunze 9016 (about 4-5 months old) running on a 60 gallon cube. I know it's overkill, but that was my intent. I have had it running for about a month now and I'm still seeing a large number of microbubbles entering the water column. It is being run inside the tank, so there is no baffling outside the skimmer to eliminate microbubbles. I have tried running it with the slotted floor plate allowing the water to exit thorough the bottom. This is my preferred configuration so that I have the smallest footprint possible. The microbubbles were so bad it appeared to give the water a turbid appearance. I ran it this way for three weeks with little improvement. I currently have it set up with the solid floor plate installed and water exiting the standpipe. I have the blue sponge on the end of the standpipe about 2-3 inches above water level, such that all water exiting passes through the sponge walls. This has improved the problem, but I'm still frustrated with the number of microbubbles in the water column. There are enough that larger bubbles are collecting on the underside or my rock. I have had a 9002 and a 9010 in the past with no bubble issues to speak of. The only other pump running is a 6095 barely disturbing the surface, so that is not a possible source of bubbles. Any suggestions? Is there something I'm missing? I am a huge fan of Tunze, so I wish to continue using this skimmer.

 

[rvitko]

In general you should get the least bubbles with the in tank set up (no stand pipe, no coupler between the pump and intake grate and slotted bottom plate) The intake grate should be closed to minimize bubbles and it is critical that the pump is installed so the outlet nozzle is inside the clear jet pipe. You also want to avoid flow immediately under the skimmer which will act like a venturi and suck the bubbles down out of the skimmer.

Do you notice if the bubbles are constant or get worse the longer the lights are on?

 

[salty316]

Roger, thank you so much for your reply. I haven't noticed if the bubbles get worse as the day progresses. I do have the outlet nozzle inside the clear jet pipe. But, I may have the intake set up incorrectly (the manual is a bit tricky to interpret). I'm pretty sure the coupler is in place between the pump and intake grate. Also, I have been running it with the intake grate open. I assumed I was maximizing flow. Is the slotted bottom intended for water to enter or exit? In short, how should the water enter and how should it exit? Thanks again for your help.

 

[rvitko]

The sump kit comprises three parts, stand pipe, coupler and solid base plate. These act to pressurize the skimmer so 100% of the water flows through, being sucked in through the intake and forced out the pipe.

In tank use, none of these parts should be used. This reduces the internal pressure and recirculates 20-90% of the water depending on how far you close the great, this drop in pressure is what reuptakes any bubbles and keeps them from being forced out. The water then enters the intake in the front, and exists the slots on the bottom but with the coupler missing at least 20% of the water will be recirculated, more if you close the intake shutter.

 

[salty316]

Thank you. I will reconfigure and let you know how it's working in a couple days.

 

[salty316]

Worked like a charm. There are absolutely no bubbles in my tank now. Also, there is a consistant column of bubbles in the reaction chamber. Thanks Roger.