ASM mini-G micro bubbles by the millions

[five.five-six]

I just picked up a used mini-g, though it is not a euroreef, it is great bang for the buck and very well constructed, I am very impressed with it. my only problem is millions of microbubbles, I did a search for +ASM +mini +micro and just found one thread about an octopus. I have owned several skimmers, but this is the first one I have had micros on this scale. like I said, it is used, and I have no idea where to start, I could sure use some help getting pointed in the right direction

[SPS20]

I have the same model of skimmer, and had the same problem you do. I plumbed the effluent into a fine felt filter bag, and it solved the problem.

Just use 1" PVC fittings and pipe to plumb it. Push the grey riser tube as far down as it will go, wrap the end in a bunch of teflon tape to make a tight fit, and put a pvc "T" on it (with one outlet pointing up to prevent a siphon from forming, one 90 degrees to the side), connect that to a gate valve, then a 90 degree fitting so it is pointing down, and then plumb it the rest of the way into a filter sock. The gate valve makes it alot easier to tune the height of the foam in the skimmer, but is of course optional. You could also adjust the height by adjusting the riser tube, but I like that the gate valve means I can take the skimmer apart for cleaning without losing the setting.

It appears this model of skimmer is a little too short or narrow (or both) to keep all the bubbles inside the reaction chamber. The little black tubular sponge that comes with the skimmer just doesn't cut it.

Even with this design flaw, I think this is probably among the best skimmers you can get for the price. I like the Octopus skimmers too, they are in a similar price range, and may even be better quality, but I have only seen pics, never used one.

[five.five-six]

thanks, I will try that... on my way to home depot right now. any chance of a photo? here is one of of mine, I am thinking maybe the sump level is too high

[SPS20]

I think your water level is a bit too high, that might explain the micro-bubbles partly.

Look here to see how it all fits together. This mod is for a different skimmer, but works essentially the same way. You don't need to remove the riser pipe, just put the PVC tee on the end of the riser instead. You get the idea, i'm sure.

[five.five-six]

cool, i skipped Home depot on the way to work... stupid me forgot to mesure the plumbing, is it 1"

how high should I have the sump level? I suspect no lower than the venturi hose

thanks again... I think it may be a bit much for a 7.5 gallon nano but I have not found any nano skimmers that work all that well

[SPS20]

1" PVC pipe/fittings fit fine with a bit of teflon tape (actually alot of teflon tape, but it works)

I keep mine in about 7" of water, and it seems to work well enough.

I'm sure if you run it a bit dry, (which will be possible once you lower the water level) it will do a fine job. It does a good job on my 20L, so i'm sure its more than enough for your 7.5.

[five.five-six]

considering I think the genex pump is WAY too loud, I went out and bought a eco plus 624 which is almost identical and all the parts are interchangeable, it is not as loud but but still too loud. I think I am going to start from scratch and go recalculating, I am thinking ocean runner or octopus.

here is a micro bubble problem I found. the twist off flange that holds the impeller in place and has the venture leaks, and if you have a hose connected to the venture it leaks micro bubbles. this photo just shows water leaking out the junction

[five.five-six]