Microbubles

Jordan11b · 02/25/2015, 04:21 PM

I have a 29 gallon biocube that is 9 weeks old. I modified the filter, I took out the bioballs and stock filter. They were replaced with poly filter and two eshopps foam sump filters, as well with purigen and chemo elite. I have a aquatic life 115 skimmer, stock return pump. I am having consistent micro-bubbles and have no idea where they are coming from. I thought the protein skimmer at first but I turned it off and the bubbles are still there. Any help would be great.

Sisterlimonpot · 02/25/2015, 05:21 PM

chances are you are getting them from where your return pump sits in the sump. Most sump/refugiums combat this by placing a series of baffles in a manner to eliminate any bubbles from entering that area, that way when it spits water into the display tank, it's micro bubble free

Another thing to look for is the plumbing that delivers water from the return pump to the main tank.... there may be a small leak that is acting as a venturi sucking air into it, something may just need to be tightened up.

mcgyvr · 02/25/2015, 06:18 PM

yep.. return pump is more than likely the area..
depending on the "fall" of water into that area bubbles will be created just from the water falling into there.. Raising the level in the return area may be an option... Or just diverting the waterfall away from the pump inlet area

02/25/2015, 04:21 PM	#1
Jordan11b Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Louisiana Posts: 3	Microbubles I have a 29 gallon biocube that is 9 weeks old. I modified the filter, I took out the bioballs and stock filter. They were replaced with poly filter and two eshopps foam sump filters, as well with purigen and chemo elite. I have a aquatic life 115 skimmer, stock return pump. I am having consistent micro-bubbles and have no idea where they are coming from. I thought the protein skimmer at first but I turned it off and the bubbles are still there. Any help would be great.

02/25/2015, 05:21 PM	#2
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	chances are you are getting them from where your return pump sits in the sump. Most sump/refugiums combat this by placing a series of baffles in a manner to eliminate any bubbles from entering that area, that way when it spits water into the display tank, it's micro bubble free Another thing to look for is the plumbing that delivers water from the return pump to the main tank.... there may be a small leak that is acting as a venturi sucking air into it, something may just need to be tightened up. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

02/25/2015, 06:18 PM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	yep.. return pump is more than likely the area.. depending on the "fall" of water into that area bubbles will be created just from the water falling into there.. Raising the level in the return area may be an option... Or just diverting the waterfall away from the pump inlet area