Micro Bubbles

gixxer600 · 03/08/2007, 11:45 AM

I am having issues with bubbles. I thought the bubbles were coming from my overflow. Put a filter sock in the sock and I still have bubbles. So I thought maybe its from the skimmer. I shut it off and still have bubbles. The only other place that I can think of it my return pump. My return pump is a Gen X PCX40 connected to a Oceans Motions 2way. My outlets are 1 in 90degree PVC. I get alot of flow from there. But with the amount of flow at the water surface, it causes these big bubbles. What can I do to get rid of the big and micro bubbles I am having. I can't see any leaks in my piping. How can I check to see if there is air getting into my return system.

besl · 03/08/2007, 11:50 AM

As I understand it (and experienced this myself), a leak may actually release water, or it may suck in air into the pipe (without any visible water escaping). What I was told to do, and it worked, is to put some drops of fresh water on the joints of the pvc - if you either see the water bubbling or you see the water getting sucked into the joint, then you know there is a leak at the connection.

rooroo · 03/08/2007, 12:38 PM

If your return pump is too powerful for your system, it can cause microbubbles on its own. What size tank and sump do you have, and whats the GPH for the return?

gixxer600 · 03/08/2007, 01:03 PM

Never had a problem with bubbles. Not until I installed the Oceans Motions 2 way. Before I had my return split into 2 outlets. Now I have the OM in its place. My tank is 125 g with a 40g sump. Return pump is a Gen X PCX 40.

rooroo · 03/08/2007, 01:12 PM

Sorry, I have no experience with the Ocean Motions thingy. Hopefully someone else can help you with it. But my guess is its coming from too much flow from your return.

jim48 · 03/08/2007, 02:41 PM

If your return is too close to the water suface and causing large bubbles, change your return so it is lower in the water column. I noticed that when setting up my return, also backed down on the flow and that helped.

Also, are you returning water to your sump in a manner that keeps the return line submerged where it empties into the first section and sock. Keeping the end of the return line submerged creates less bubbles.

Have you incorporated a bubble trap in your sump?

gixxer600 · 03/08/2007, 03:04 PM

Yes I have a bubble trap in my sump. From what I can see, there are no bubbles entering the return section of the sump.

03/08/2007, 11:45 AM	#1
gixxer600 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 163	Micro Bubbles I am having issues with bubbles. I thought the bubbles were coming from my overflow. Put a filter sock in the sock and I still have bubbles. So I thought maybe its from the skimmer. I shut it off and still have bubbles. The only other place that I can think of it my return pump. My return pump is a Gen X PCX40 connected to a Oceans Motions 2way. My outlets are 1 in 90degree PVC. I get alot of flow from there. But with the amount of flow at the water surface, it causes these big bubbles. What can I do to get rid of the big and micro bubbles I am having. I can't see any leaks in my piping. How can I check to see if there is air getting into my return system.

03/08/2007, 11:50 AM	#2
besl Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Boston-burb, MA Posts: 800	As I understand it (and experienced this myself), a leak may actually release water, or it may suck in air into the pipe (without any visible water escaping). What I was told to do, and it worked, is to put some drops of fresh water on the joints of the pvc - if you either see the water bubbling or you see the water getting sucked into the joint, then you know there is a leak at the connection. __________________ Why did kamakazi pilots wear helmets? Current Tank Info: 55 Gal, 260W CF, 60 lbs LR, CC base, 7 fish, 10 corals, Aquafuge - chaetomorpha & grape

03/08/2007, 12:38 PM	#3
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	If your return pump is too powerful for your system, it can cause microbubbles on its own. What size tank and sump do you have, and whats the GPH for the return?

03/08/2007, 01:03 PM	#4
gixxer600 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 163	Never had a problem with bubbles. Not until I installed the Oceans Motions 2 way. Before I had my return split into 2 outlets. Now I have the OM in its place. My tank is 125 g with a 40g sump. Return pump is a Gen X PCX 40.

03/08/2007, 01:12 PM	#5
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	Sorry, I have no experience with the Ocean Motions thingy. Hopefully someone else can help you with it. But my guess is its coming from too much flow from your return.

03/08/2007, 02:41 PM	#6
jim48 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Williamstown, Pa. Posts: 293	If your return is too close to the water suface and causing large bubbles, change your return so it is lower in the water column. I noticed that when setting up my return, also backed down on the flow and that helped. Also, are you returning water to your sump in a manner that keeps the return line submerged where it empties into the first section and sock. Keeping the end of the return line submerged creates less bubbles. Have you incorporated a bubble trap in your sump?

03/08/2007, 03:04 PM	#7
gixxer600 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 163	Yes I have a bubble trap in my sump. From what I can see, there are no bubbles entering the return section of the sump.