micro bubbles just won't quit !!!

smitty65 · 05-28-2007, 05:59 AM

I should have made my name Asker of Stupid Questions...sigh. I have a 55g sump under my 210g and the new skimmer I put on is blowing micro bubbles from heck. It has been running for 7 days and is producing skim mate but the bubbles are horrendous ! I thought it would take 2 to 3 days to break in like my other 2 coral life's but this isn't the case.
Another thing...someone mentioned too much flow through the sump. I am running a mag 18 in the center chamber for output. Left side of the sump contains the skimmer ( plumbed outside due to height issues) and heaters. A series of baffles lead to the mag and then on the right side I have my fuge. I have a ball valve on the fuge return to keep the flow lower and not blow my LS/chaeto around. Could any of this be the micro bubble culprit? My tank looks so bad with all the bubbles

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fletch · 05-28-2007, 07:14 AM

What skimmer are you now using? Were does it get it's water input from? is the pump feeding the skimmer internal or external? Also if you can get a pic posted of your sump setup it would help. John

Tangster · 05-28-2007, 10:40 AM

Pile some base rock up all in the sump.. double benefits no bubbles and more L/R.. I have never used a baffle in my life and on a 40 breeder sump I'm blowing 4,000 GPH now Not a problem .. Also on the line to the sump add two 90's to make a up wards U then a short section of pipe to be just above the normal waterline Thats allows the bubbles to be placed on top where they belong. and can burst or collect until they do burst.

Kentanner11 · 05-28-2007, 11:32 AM

Tangster, interesting no baffles?? I was personally not going to use them but now I am really not going to!!! Thanks! PS tangster how big is your tank and sump

amcarrig · 05-29-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kentanner11

how big is your tank and sump

The tank is 180 gallons and I believe that the sump is a 40 gallon breeder.

Kentanner11 · 05-30-2007, 09:48 PM

Cool thanks!

djnzlab1 · 05-31-2007, 02:36 PM

HI,
I guess you skimmer is new, I ve noticed with the coral life the distance from the pump to the resivor seems to effect water flow and skimmer performance.
As mine ran a few months it became loaded with ca carbonate this raises the pressure gradient in the pump and this seemed to increase foaming, it may be similar to that cavitation that occurs at high speed with props.
Just be sure your water input is allowing a good flow ditto for the path and output.
Doug

smitty65 · 06-03-2007, 04:05 AM

The bubbles are still being a PITA ! I found that raising the water level in my return compartment helps and I also put a carbon pad in the first baffle between the skimmer and the return. I hate putting anything in there as I am afraid of raising nitrates. I am getting tons of skimmate so it is working well , but still...the bubbles. I am trying to fine tune it but I am unfamiliar with the berlin XL. I am thinking that may be the root of all my problems. I have a coral life ss on my reef with no problems whatsoever but this one...grrrrr. If anyone has experience with these could I please get some input on ridding it of bubbles?

fletch · 06-03-2007, 06:21 AM

Are you using the turbo pump that came with the Berlin XL? If so Do you have a air control valve on the air intake for the pump if you do try reducing the air intake to the pump by adjusting the control valve. If you don't have a control valve on the intake, Try putting one on and adjusting the air flow.

smitty65 · 06-03-2007, 11:59 AM

I have adjusted the air flow from the pump to the skimmer and the air line from the pump itself. It is the one that came with it. I am trying to adjust flow in my fuge also. I will get rid of those dern bubbles once and for all.