Microbubbles from skimmer

[Neal Flomenberg]

I'm finishing up setting up a new tank. My tunze 9010 skimmer is in the same section of my CPR aquafuge refugium/sump as my mag drive return pump. The water return pipe from the tunze is in the front left corner of this section and the mag drive inflow points into the rear back corner, so they are as physically separated as I can get them. Neither device can be moved into another section of the sump.

When I started up the skimmer, it was instant microbubbles being returned to the tank. Before the skimmer was started, there weren't any.

So the question is, will the microbubbles decrease as the tank settles in and the skimmer breaks in or is what I have now likely to persist. If the latter, I'd appreciate any and all suggestions to reduce the bubbles.

Thanks in advance,
Neal

[rvitko]

They will be reduced a bit in time. A few things that can help, be sure the foam sponge is being used and is level with the end of the pipe. Raise the water level a bit. Avoid colloid/ slime coat additives. Start the skimmer with the venturi closed and then open it after the pump has started.

[Neal Flomenberg]

Thanks Roger.

The sponge is positioned as you indicate. I will raise the water level as best I can, but there is not too much room to go.

Re the venturi, I'm not sure what you want me to do. Please clarify. The only two things I can guess at would be to block the water intake (adjacent to the water exit tube) or keeping the screw adjustment closed all the way on start up. Not sure if you mean one or the other of these or something else.

Sorry to be so obtuse.

Is there anything mechanical that I could use as a quick and dirty physical barrier that would restrict bubbles from reaching the pump, yet not restrict water flow too much???

Thanks,
Neal

[rvitko]

You could install a baffle between the skimmer and the pump- basically glue in a glass or acrylic partition that the water had to go under.

You close the screw all the way and then open it after start up.

Do you have a picture by chance?

[Neal Flomenberg]

I've come to the conclusion that I need a baffle to subdivide the comparment. I want to actually build a temporary holder for the acrylic subdivider out of eggcrate first so I can test the height and efficiency before I glue anything in place that I can't subsequently revise.

Any idea where I can get acrylic cut to measure? Any ideas for a glue that could be used without draining that section of the sump?

Thanks,
Neal

[rvitko]

Have you seen the Oceanic sumps? Their bubble trap is the best design it might be easier to just buy one of their sumps but you should look at one anyway for ideas. I think you will have to drain it to glue anything in and if the sump is glass it is difficult to adhere acrylic to glass. You will need to scuff the glass and acrylic with a scotch bright pad and clean them with like MEK or a harsh solvent that softens the plastic a bit so the silicon can grab the acrylic.

[Neal Flomenberg]

Thanks. Spent a ton on the aquafuge so will try to make it work. Will check out the oceanic design.

Thanks,
Neal

[Neal Flomenberg]

My problem now seems to be bubbles coming from the bottom of the skimmer rather than the water exit pipe. Is this to be expected and if not, what do I do to reduce it?

Thanks,
Neal

[rvitko]

Do you have the correct plate installed? It should be solid- no slots and have 4 suction cup feet and it needs to be firmly pushed in.

[Neal Flomenberg]

It's the right bottom plate, and I think it is pushed in firmly (though will check). What do you think about wrapping some teflon pipe tape around the edge with teflon pipe tape to make the seal a tiny bit tighter? Any problem with trying that to keep more bubles inside?

Thanks,
Neal

[rvitko]

No, it shouldn't be a problem but I am puzzled as to why you are having this problem. I think this may get better in time and may just be a result of the new set up.