Micro Bubbles in CLS

rdaled · 05-02-2006, 09:22 PM

Ok, I have a CLS with a Velocity T3 that is run over the back of the tank. I have (1) 1" pvc intake and (2) 1" returns each split into (2) 1/2" outlets. The pump is only 24" below the top of the tank.

About every 2 to 3 minutes a blast of micro bubbles is released into the tank. I think the air is building up in the top of the intake where it goes over the back of the tank, and when it builds up enough it gets pushed down to the pump.

If it is indeed building up in the intake, what can I do to prevent this nuisance? Any ideas?? Geoff???

On a side note, I sure wish I hadn't used clear vinyl tubing for my returns. It has only been running for a few weeks and is already growing algae inside the tubing. It is directly exposed to the canopy lights.

Geoff · 05-03-2006, 08:47 AM

how low is the intake in the tank? could there be a vortex forming every now and then and sucking air into the system. do you have other micro bubbles running around the system from other sources that could be congregating in the CLS? did you use teflon take on all of the threaded connectors?

could be a lot of little things.

G~

rdaled · 05-03-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

how low is the intake in the tank?

about 6" below water level

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

could there be a vortex forming every now and then and sucking air into the system.

haven't seen it happen

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

do you have other micro bubbles running around the system from other sources that could be congregating in the CLS?

no, the only other thing that could cause air bubbles is the Remora HOB skimmer, but I use a prefilter box that eliminates any micro bubbles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

did you use teflon take on all of the threaded connectors?

yes, and hose clamps on all the hose connections

What if I take the intake down from 1" to 3/4" pvc to increase the flow rate through the "over the back" plumbing? Would this prevent the pvc from collecting air pockets?

Geoff · 05-03-2006, 12:23 PM

yes, that should keep any air pockets from forming at the top of the CLS. can this be done easily in your setup?

G~

rdaled · 05-03-2006, 04:02 PM

I will just have to make a new "over the back intake" and screw it onto the pump.

One thing I didn't mention is that I have a "T" at the top of the intake before it goes down to the pump. Off of the "T" is a small extension and a screw in cap. I use this to prime the pump at startup. I also used tape on the screw cap. But since this is the highest point it is obviously where the air builds up at. Maybe it needs to be redesigned. If I eliminate the "T" that is used to fill the lines and pump with, will I still be able to prime it somehow?

I will try to get a pic on here in the near future.

motorslave · 05-03-2006, 07:04 PM

WAIT!!! Is the pump plubed for 1" intake? if so I think it may be better to reduce the size of the output instaed of the intake. if you under size the intake youll starve the pump and shorten its life. Reducing the output plumbing will increase velocity and stop air build up. Also shut the pump off for a few minutes with the valves closed to keep water in the pipes then check for seaping around the joints.

Robert

Geoff · 05-03-2006, 08:54 PM

i think it is pic time.

G~

motorslave · 05-03-2006, 08:56 PM

Its ALWAYS pic time!!!

Robert

rdaled · 05-04-2006, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the help guys!

I am going on vacation next week so I will post when I get back.