another pesky microbubble problem

funi42 · 04-19-2006, 11:09 PM

Hey Ive been having this microbubble for a little while with the diy skimmer I have, however im skeptical that it is the only problem. Here is a pic of my sump setup....

As it is now, the skimmer empties in to the fuge. The fuge is a 20g right next to the 20g sump. It returns to the sump via an overflow. The return from the display on the right is via a return and the end of the spa flex stuff is in the right side of the sump. The return pump(surge 3500, yeah i know

) even has a foam filter insert that I started running(it had no big effect on the frequency or amount of bubbles). I am posting a video next that shows this little "burst" of microbubbles i get about once a minute. I caught it in the middle of the burst.

the link for the video

Any ideas on what I should do? Add an extra baffle on each side?

funi42 · 04-19-2006, 11:13 PM

video should be working shortly

Loverotties · 04-19-2006, 11:18 PM

Sorry only see a RED X.

funi42 · 04-19-2006, 11:37 PM

should be working now

Tim224DT · 04-20-2006, 09:03 AM

Bump.............................

I would say try to add another baffle to the fuge side of your sump. You have it as over and under right now. Do another over one on the right side of the under one.

Tim

funi42 · 04-20-2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim224DT

Bump.............................

I would say try to add another baffle to the fuge side of your sump. You have it as over and under right now. Do another over one on the right side of the under one.

Tim

sounds good... anyone else agree/disagree have another idea? The whole burst thing is kinda baffling me(no pun intended)

Geoff · 04-20-2006, 11:47 AM

usually bubble bursts are caused by trapped air. air can build up in returns where they go over the back of the tank. usually caused by the return pipe being to large at the highest point. the velocity of the water does not allow the air to make it to the return nozzles, so it slowly builds up untill it restricts the flow, then it is grabbed by the water flow and you see a short bubble burst.

G~

funi42 · 04-20-2006, 07:26 PM

any way to alleviate this problem besides upgrading the pump? Its returning via 3/4 flex hose.

Geoff · 04-20-2006, 10:22 PM

do you have any nozzles on the returns that restrict the water flow? maybe try removing it and see if it solves the problem.

G~

funi42 · 04-21-2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

do you have any nozzles on the returns that restrict the water flow? maybe try removing it and see if it solves the problem.

G~

nope, just the black elbow like attachment that hangs on the tank and then the "nozzle" type thing that you see the bubbles coming out of in the video

Geoff · 04-21-2006, 04:32 PM

could you post a pic above the waterline of the return plumbing as it goes over the back of the tank?

G~

funi42 · 04-21-2006, 06:29 PM

sure is this the shot you are looking for?

thanks geoff!

-funi