micro bubbles

bighead · 01/23/2013, 06:12 PM

I know there are a lot of threads about this but heres one more. I set my 90 Gal RR tank up over the weekend. I have lots of micro bubbles. The set up is as follows 40 gal breeder sump 3 compartments overflow with skimmer fuge in center last return with a mag 12 in it. The overflow is the one that came with tank just a standard overflow i guess you call that a durso overflow. The overflow has a lot of big bubbles ( is that normal) by the time the water goes to the return I cant see any bubbles but they are very fine and ugly. The bubbles are there with or without skimmer running . I tried running a sock and no sock still bubbles . I am going ti try to post a pic of the sump. What am I to do

bighead · 01/23/2013, 06:26 PM

DSC01770.JPG800x.jpg

TomTheWicked · 01/23/2013, 06:47 PM

Do you have the mag12 running at 100%, or is there a ball valve on it to adjust the flow? My guess is that you're pulling too much flow through the tank, meaning the water is moving too fast through the sump.

bighead · 01/23/2013, 07:06 PM

I have a mag 9.5 i can try

ryguy886 · 01/23/2013, 09:40 PM

I also had a problem with micro bubbles. I added two sponge filter pieces between the last overflow in the sump and the last chamber that houses the return pump and the protein skimmer. This took care of all the micro bubbles!

TomTheWicked · 01/24/2013, 08:49 AM

The mag 9.5 might do it. I have a mag 7 on my 20 sump that's running about 80%. By my guesstimation, you may still have to dial the 9.5 back just a touch.

I would also try the solution that ryguy886 suggested. Might be less of a hassle.

h2hiero · 01/24/2013, 09:22 AM

Put filter socks or filter closing bags over the outlet of your protein skimmer or anything else that is pushing water around quick in your sump. Filter pads also after the refug. Most of the time skimmers make macro bubbles in your tank if you do not put a filter sock or bag over the water outlet. Fixed mine on my reef octopus and also it makes the water flow slow down in the refuge.

MrClam · 01/24/2013, 11:24 AM

You could also try setting up a herbie style overflow. That would eliminate the bubbles from being created by the drain system altogether.

01/23/2013, 06:12 PM	#1
bighead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 444	micro bubbles I know there are a lot of threads about this but heres one more. I set my 90 Gal RR tank up over the weekend. I have lots of micro bubbles. The set up is as follows 40 gal breeder sump 3 compartments overflow with skimmer fuge in center last return with a mag 12 in it. The overflow is the one that came with tank just a standard overflow i guess you call that a durso overflow. The overflow has a lot of big bubbles ( is that normal) by the time the water goes to the return I cant see any bubbles but they are very fine and ugly. The bubbles are there with or without skimmer running . I tried running a sock and no sock still bubbles . I am going ti try to post a pic of the sump. What am I to do

01/23/2013, 06:47 PM	#3
TomTheWicked Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Frednecksburg, VA Posts: 170	Do you have the mag12 running at 100%, or is there a ball valve on it to adjust the flow? My guess is that you're pulling too much flow through the tank, meaning the water is moving too fast through the sump. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'till it is" Current Tank Info: 40B w/20G sump, custom stand

01/24/2013, 08:49 AM	#6
TomTheWicked Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Frednecksburg, VA Posts: 170	The mag 9.5 might do it. I have a mag 7 on my 20 sump that's running about 80%. By my guesstimation, you may still have to dial the 9.5 back just a touch. I would also try the solution that ryguy886 suggested. Might be less of a hassle. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'till it is" Current Tank Info: 40B w/20G sump, custom stand

01/23/2013, 06:26 PM	#2
bighead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 444	DSC01770.JPG800x.jpg

01/23/2013, 07:06 PM	#4
bighead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 444	I have a mag 9.5 i can try

01/23/2013, 09:40 PM	#5
ryguy886 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: West Warwick, RI Posts: 124	I also had a problem with micro bubbles. I added two sponge filter pieces between the last overflow in the sump and the last chamber that houses the return pump and the protein skimmer. This took care of all the micro bubbles!

01/24/2013, 09:22 AM	#7
h2hiero Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63	Put filter socks or filter closing bags over the outlet of your protein skimmer or anything else that is pushing water around quick in your sump. Filter pads also after the refug. Most of the time skimmers make macro bubbles in your tank if you do not put a filter sock or bag over the water outlet. Fixed mine on my reef octopus and also it makes the water flow slow down in the refuge.

01/24/2013, 11:24 AM	#8
MrClam Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 557	You could also try setting up a herbie style overflow. That would eliminate the bubbles from being created by the drain system altogether.