Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles ARGH!!

[Zechirian]

Ok i'm at the end of my wits.. I've got a CPR1 bakpak and I need to figure out a way to kill the bubbles it keeps pumpin back into the tank.. ITS ANNOYING!!! haha. I'm thinking of getting a rubber stopper, putting a hole in it and putting a 3/4" pipe arrangment coming out into the tank kinda like the bakpak2's Anyone ever try this? If anyone has any recommendations i would really really really appreciate it!!!

[sally]

How long have you had the BakPak up and running?. Sometimes it takes a few days for the bubbles to subside.

[Loverotties]

you can get there skimmer box.

[Joyfulheart]

Hi Zechirian,

You may have already done this but the CPR website has a forum. I was having trouble with my BakPak2 being noisy and I was able to find an answer on their site.

http://www.cpraquatic.com/index2.html

Good luck!

Blessings,
Renee

[tims]

from there website..

There are two types of bubbles that may be encountered. The first type of bubbles is large air bubbles. These are caused by turbulence when the water enters the tank. Since they have no ill effect on the tank or its inhabitants, we are much less concerned with this issue. Raising the water level in your tank will resolve this issue for most users.

The other type is micro-bubbles. Micro-bubbles can cause problems in a tank including the unwanted growth of algae and even possibly illness in fish. Below are the most common problems and solutions for micro-bubbles in the Bak-Pak. The Bak-Pak units have what we call a "break-in" period of 48 to 72 hours. There is a thin coating on the acrylic that needs to wash itself off of the unit. For this reason, it is recommended that the unit is rinsed before being placed into use. Once the unit has been running for 72 hours, the bubbles should cease.

If you are one of the few that have another type of micro-bubble problem, following are the most common problems and fixes (keep in mind that the issues described below are not exclusive to the Bak-Pak. These issues will affect performance in all hang on the back skimmers):

There is a common belief that the more air put into a skimmer, the more air escapes back into the tank. This is incorrect and in fact, the opposite is true. When too little air enters the Bak-Pak, the water begins to flow faster and may push the bubbles through the unit and into the tank. When more air is introduced into the Bak-Pak, the water flow slows, keeping the bubbles in the desired chamber. The slower flow also allows for more contact time for the bubbles and nutrients, increasing skimmer efficiency. To increase air flow into your Bak-Pak, remove the muffler from the end of your airline. This may immediately correct the problem. The downside of this fix is that it may make the unit much louder. Simply extend the airline so that it is 2 feet long and the sound should decrease again.

Excess micro-bubbles are always caused by high surface tension in a tank. The most common causes of high surface tension are high salinity and the use of supplements, conditioners and even some foods. However, there are also other factors that contribute to a change in surface tension. Along with salinity and chemicals, low temperatures and a high bio-load will also contribute to a high surface tension.

Check your salinity and make sure that it is between 1.021 and 1.023 In most cases, unless your tank is well above 1.023 (1.027 and up), this will not make an enormous difference.

You'll want to limit the use of conditioners and supplements by placing them in the water only as often as is necessary. When you do place supplements or conditioners in your tank, either shut down your skimmer for 24 hours, or expect micro-bubbles.