Mini Bubbles

Prismaco · 04-08-2003, 02:58 PM

I keep getting mini bubbles from my return pipes to my tank...any ideas on how to get rid of them ??

-Paul

Minnreefer · 04-08-2003, 04:58 PM

A few questions, how big is your sump? how big is your return pump?, do you have enough water above your return pump? you may also need to install baffles in your sump to reduce bubbles coming from your skimmer.

HTH

Jon

Prismaco · 04-08-2003, 05:28 PM

My W/D is for a 75gal..I have a 1200 CA retun pump. 3/4" return pipe...I have a ball valve under the overflow so that I can adjust it that way so that I dont get that slurpping sound. Could I add more water to my sump ? Please advise....

-Paul

ziggy · 04-08-2003, 05:28 PM

Just by chance does your skimmer face your return pump or is it too close to the return? All those little bubbles can run right up the pipe.

Prismaco · 04-08-2003, 05:30 PM

I dont have a skimmer on it yet....Could I add more water to my tank so that my over flow gets more make my sump get more ?? I have about 1 1/2 inches clearance on top...

-Paul

Calvinc4s · 04-08-2003, 06:06 PM

Any soft hose with clamps or is your plumbing hard pvc? I would check the plumbing joints as air can get in the line that way.

Prismaco · 04-08-2003, 06:07 PM

Yes, 1 soft hose and 2 claps... ???

-Paul

Calvinc4s · 04-08-2003, 06:22 PM

I have noticed that a soft return line can create a venturi if it isn't seated all the way or the hose is not the right size for the fitting.

If your sump has no micro bubbles befor the return pump, I would bet that to be the fault.

Prismaco · 04-08-2003, 06:25 PM

3/4" barb end and 3/4" hose. I'll check the claps...

-Paul

Minnreefer · 04-08-2003, 08:52 PM

I am probably confussed, how much water is in your sump? You want it higher then your pump but not too high in case your power goes off that your sump overflows.

HTH

Jon

Prismaco · 04-09-2003, 10:44 AM

The water level is covering about half the pump, I was told that its bad if its to high and touching the bio balls. I will add some water and see if they go away.

-Paul

thefatman · 04-09-2003, 11:50 AM

my wet dry is the same way. in order to cover my pump, about half my bio balls are submerged in water.. but the pump needs to be fully submersed, and i dont intend to keep the bio balls in for very long anyway.

Prismaco · 04-09-2003, 02:46 PM

My plan was on leaving my W/D and also have my LS sand LR do the work....

-Paul

ziggy · 04-09-2003, 03:51 PM

Well if there is nothing in the tank I say ditch the bio-balls right now,you can always use the extra water volume anyways. Here is where my new thoughts come into play, it doesn't matter how you set this tank up you'll just be reading post from jerell and galleon and want to change everthing you've done, maybe a software program that takes care of your reef while your away ((I think either twdyatt or mojo reef can help, one of them has a video cell phone and checks out their reef while they work). My point is gather your notes and get started not too fast but begin getting your feet wet along with everything else. Your going to get a bigger tank anyways and you can make changes.

this hobby is driving me insane but I've never been one to enjoy complete serenity.

Prismaco · 04-09-2003, 04:08 PM

Right now I have some crabs cleaning the LR off. I planned on getting used to running a tank and knowing what to do before I get a larger tank. Also I live in an aprtment and dont want to go completly all out just because I plan on buying a house and dont want to get my tank established with lots of corals or reefs and then have to move it all. So thats why I am going small right now. I know some what just because I work about 2 feet from a tropical fish warehouse and they help me out when they have time....

-Paul