Skimmer Bubbles

conjuay · 11/25/2007, 05:22 PM

Can the air bubbles from a skimmer that make it into the tank affect the corals?
I have a %#$)(&*@($)%?$#!(# skimmer I've been trying to get running properly, but I'm getting a fair amount of air bubbles visible in the tank water.
When this occurs, my toadstool kind of folds up and looks ****ed off.
Can this hurt it?
Will this air flow disrupt the sponges that are on the live rock?

The system has a wet/dry that I converted from bio balls to a sock. The skimmer sits after that section, in where the return pump used to be. (The return pump is now external.)
I've run the skimmer return back into the first chamber and that helps minimize the air bubbles, but I'm at a loss if there is more I can do.

I know people say that skimmers tend to do this initially, and that they settle down after a couple of weeks. (and some tweaking)

I just don't want to damage a HUGE leather coral while this all works itself out.

Racing1 · 11/25/2007, 05:59 PM

Can't really help you until you can tell us what kind of skimmer it is?????

Blown 346 · 11/25/2007, 06:01 PM

Alot of bubbles can irritate, and stress corals and fish out. Any sponge that is exposed to air or has air bubbles trapped onit that part of the sponge will die.

It is natural in the open ocean for air bubbles to surround corals etc, Maybe try using a sponge where the skimmer exits the water to help reduce the bubbles.

reefergeorge · 11/25/2007, 06:29 PM

What size sump? What size return pump?
You might have to much flow going through your sump. Not giving enough time for the bubbles to rise.

conjuay · 11/25/2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Racing1
Can't really help you until you can tell us what kind of skimmer it is?????

"Aqua Clear" wet /Dry model 200,
"Aqua Clear" model 150 skimmer.

The company is now using the name "Proclear" on more recent products.
http://www.pro-clear.com/wetdry.html

and:

skimmer

conjuay · 11/25/2007, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefergeorge
What size sump? What size return pump?
You might have to much flow going through your sump. Not giving enough time for the bubbles to rise.

Well, I did upgrade the pump from a 'quiet one' 4000, and I did have to run a return from the pump back into the sump, but when it is set where it says "Water Level" (meaning it is the correct draw for that sump) it still happens.

The new pump is rated at 2GPM, if that helps.
It's a nineteen gallon sump, and an even larger skimmer is recommended, so I don't think I'm pulling too much water through...

JuzDuky · 11/25/2007, 07:52 PM

Where in your system does your pump draw from? If you can place some filter media like a sponge or something between the section where your pump draws from and the skimmer section, that may help.

Also, make sure all of your connections are nice and tight. It is possible to induce air into your syatem that way, too.

11/25/2007, 05:22 PM	#1
conjuay Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Baja Georgia (Florida) Posts: 200	Skimmer Bubbles Can the air bubbles from a skimmer that make it into the tank affect the corals? I have a *%#$)(&@($)%?$#!(# skimmer I've been trying to get running properly, but I'm getting a fair amount of air bubbles visible in the tank water. When this occurs, my toadstool kind of folds up and looks ed off. Can this hurt it? Will this air flow disrupt the sponges that are on the live rock? The system has a wet/dry that I converted from bio balls to a sock. The skimmer sits after that section, in where the return pump used to be. (The return pump is now external.) I've run the skimmer return back** into the first chamber and that helps minimize the air bubbles, but I'm at a loss if there is more I can do. I know people say that skimmers tend to do this initially, and that they settle down after a couple of weeks. (and some tweaking) I just don't want to damage a HUGE leather coral while this all works itself out.

11/25/2007, 06:29 PM	#4
reefergeorge Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: St Louis MO Posts: 4,222	What size sump? What size return pump? You might have to much flow going through your sump. Not giving enough time for the bubbles to rise. __________________ $35-50 for a <1" frag of some stupid named thing that came from a colony you bought for $40-60 wholesale and chopped into 20-40 pieces? No thanks. "JasonH" Current Tank Info: 125 aggressive reef, DIY led lighting, swc cone skimmer, 33 gallon sump, posiden Ps3 return.

11/25/2007, 05:59 PM	#2
Racing1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 740	Can't really help you until you can tell us what kind of skimmer it is?????

11/25/2007, 06:01 PM	#3
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	Alot of bubbles can irritate, and stress corals and fish out. Any sponge that is exposed to air or has air bubbles trapped onit that part of the sponge will die. It is natural in the open ocean for air bubbles to surround corals etc, Maybe try using a sponge where the skimmer exits the water to help reduce the bubbles.

11/25/2007, 07:52 PM	#7
JuzDuky Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: CA - USA Posts: 50	Where in your system does your pump draw from? If you can place some filter media like a sponge or something between the section where your pump draws from and the skimmer section, that may help. Also, make sure all of your connections are nice and tight. It is possible to induce air into your syatem that way, too.