Microbubbles and some questions

Hi everyone. I finally have the tank up and running but seem to be having a bit of a microbubble problem. Most of these microbubbles seem to be originating out of my "bubble column" with bio balls rather than my protein skimmer, as the problem persists with it off. It also seems to be worse as the water level in my return chamber lowers, and the waterfall height between the chambers increases.

I was wondering if there are any solutions to this besides a micron net or a sponge. I'm trying to achieve as low of a maintenance sump as possible, but if it can't be avoided then i'll have to go with a sponge at the top of my bubble trap.

Also, what amount of micro-bubbles are a hazard to fish/coral/anything in the tank? Are some bubbles in the DT normal?

What sort of height does the water fall into your return chamber from, in inches?

see the picture of the waterfall into the return when i first set the tank up, I've since dremel-ed about 2 inches off of it. I'm contemplating taking off about 3 or 4 more. I've also attached a picture of my skimmer and bubble trap, is the water in my skimmer section too high? I have the skimmer dialed in for it, and my sump can hold all drainage from the DT once the pump's off, but i'd lower it (and corresponding baffle) if it meant less bubbles.

I don't have a picture of the bubbles in my display tank, but I could get one if it would help.



also, thanks in advance for any help!

 

it isnt a hazard unless your tank has an obserd amount of bubbles. they are such a pain to get rid of i gave up and just accept my bubbles in my tank. i rebuilt a new sump with baffles...have put all the filter foam in the world, tried various sizes of filter socks. nothing works at stopping my bubbles.

 

Yes, you have to break the fall. Plates, ramps sponges....something. I had plenty of problems in my W/D. I took the bio balls out and had to put a tray with filter floss to break the fall.

 

Go to a Herbie overflow. Zero bubbles dead silent.

 

Tray with filter floss is a good idea. I might have room for that. I wouldn't mind the herbie, but i'm not in a position to have 2 drain lines in my overflow. I only drilled and built for one. So i'll have to wait until an upgrade down the line.

I think the main problem is the water overflowing out of the top of the bubble column instead of exiting at the bottom. Lowering the water level in my skimmer/drain section should solve this. I'll try this as well as a sponge and/or sponge/filterfloss and post some results. Thanks for the input.

 

Ya, the Herbie would not change the waterfall you have going. And I know sponges suck...I don't like them.... but you have to break the fall somehow.

 

Just wanted to give everyone an update on this. Just finished the dremeling of the baflle, took about 3.5 inches off. The return is completely full, and the water is falling about .25 inches after the bubble trap into the return chamber.

So far it appears that ALL microbubbles are gone. My water is crystal clear. The only thing that's left to do is to re-dial in my skimmer.

Here's to hoping I don't need to do any more after-setup construction. *crosses fingers*