How to prevent microbubbles from entering tank

[ervine]

Hi guys..

My overflow is now handling around 5000l/h... so at the the sump side there's a huge gush of water and air coming out along with the water return from my skimmer which is also causing bubbles to form...

While the big bubbles never leave the sump, the tiny microbubbles somehow can find their way to the return pump and up to the main tank... very vexing....

Any advice? Thanks..

Ervine

[RAV-65]

Bro,

you may wanna use some sponge inbetween the compartments in your sump to try to trap the air bubbles...

Vincent Ho

[ervine]

sigh.. tried that.. but the problem is my sump (which was designed for my old tank) can barely handle the 5000l/h pouring through the first compartment...

so when I placed the sponge between the openings which interfered with the water flow, the water level in that compartment rose till it started to overflow into the adjacent one...

nevermind... I'm trying another method I learnt from reefcentral.. will post if it works...

[scarab]

If the water gush from your overflow to the sump, means the outflow from your overflow is much larger your inflow from your tank.

You should install a ball valve at the pipe leading from your overflow into your sump. Use that to control the water from gushing from the overflow. You will see your water level rise up in the overflow. Don't worry, adjust the valve to get an equilibrium. The higher water level in your overflow also means you hear less splashing sound of the water falling into your overflow. Once you've done this, you'll find that the water doesn't gush through means less bubbles created.

Also if you are using carbon or rowaphos place them where the water enters your sump. It will also help dampen the inflow. Of course find a way to tie the bags down, maybe to your overflow pipe, else they'll be gushed away.

I have major micro bubbles problem previously but after doing this no more sign of bubbles

My 2 cents worth...........

[ervine]

Hm... i think my durso is at it's maximum capacity liaos... the water level in the overflow is almost covering the PVC Tee of the durso...

Going to try out my other method now

[Mellow]

regarding bubbles forming when water gushes into your sump, maybe u can try putting a glass vase or something in the first chamber where water from your overflow gets into your sump. Use a vase that's slightly higher than the water level in the first chamber and direct the outlet pipe into the vase. The water will overflow the vase as it enters the sump thus helping to dissipate the bubbles... it acts like a baffle basically....

[ervine]

regarding bubbles forming when water gushes into your sump, maybe u can try putting a glass vase or something in the first chamber where water from your overflow gets into your sump. Use a vase that's slightly higher than the water level in the first chamber and direct the outlet pipe into the vase. The water will overflow the vase as it enters the sump thus helping to dissipate the bubbles... it acts like a baffle basically....

I see i see... okay might try that out...

BTW... i found out a another reason for the microbubbles... my skimmer pump is "leaking" microbubbles!!! ARGH!!!... these pesky little things get through even the sponge I put in the sump!!...

Shucks...

[alanseah]

very easy.. depend on the type of skimmer u r using.. for me.. I use a L joint PVC and direct the water flow out to the bottom of the tank.. thus only bubble can be seem at the 1st section of the sump but not the 2nd...

[ervine]

managed to stop the bubbles from the tank return and skimmer return... added a stocking over the return.. it traps all the bubbles..

But now it's my stupid skimmer pump which is causing micro bubbles... argh...

[ervine]

Hm.. the stocking not very good idea... has been trapping solid items which I rather have the skimmer take out.. shucks...

[ervine]

Took out the stocking, made a PVC "silencer" of sorts for the output but still the microbubbles...

And I think I know where they are coming from.. my skimmer... shucks... skimmer should be leaking microbubbles into the tank...

Can't seem to stop them no matter what I try, they literally pass right through the filter foam, defy laws of bouyancy by moving downwards with the current, sneak their way past the plants in my fuge and enter the return chamber....

Sians... but on a brighter note... read in one of the AquaC online user manuals that this is typical of skimmers which have not broken in.. no foam + microbubbles in tank... hope they are right

[RAV-65]

Bro,

how long your skimmer? still not broken in?

Vincent Ho

[ervine]

Oh... Hm.. lemme think I think set up only for 5 days... anyway I have foam liaos..

[Eric]

Took out the stocking, made a PVC "silencer" of sorts for the output but still the microbubbles...

And I think I know where they are coming from.. my skimmer... shucks... skimmer should be leaking microbubbles into the tank...

Can't seem to stop them no matter what I try, they literally pass right through the filter foam, defy laws of bouyancy by moving downwards with the current, sneak their way past the plants in my fuge and enter the return chamber....

Sians... but on a brighter note... read in one of the AquaC online user manuals that this is typical of skimmers which have not broken in.. no foam + microbubbles in tank... hope they are right

I put a piece of sponge in my netting bag & cover the overflow pipe for mechanical filteration & also trapping of the bubbles follow by a multiple holes container to smoothen out the flow for less bubbling.

Putting 2 pieces of glass just before your return pump also help to baffle the air bubbles.

Eric

[ervine]

I put a piece of sponge in my netting bag & cover the overflow pipe for mechanical filteration & also trapping of the bubbles follow by a multiple holes container to smoothen out the flow for less bubbling.

Putting 2 pieces of glass just before your return pump also help to baffle the air bubbles.

Eric

Yah I did that but I rather not use the stocking coz it traps debri.... which I rather have my skimmer take out

[ervine]

Ah crap.. I've tried everything except getting a new sump.. I'm still getting microbubbles!!!

Piangs these things just flow right through my filter foam siah!!.. ARGH!!!! I give up...