Skimmer - Too Many Bubbles???

[sharla1234]

O.K., need advice again!
Set up sh tank approx. 4 weeks ago (30 gal cube). Using Seaclone 100 skimmer, took off penguin 150 at advice of LFS person.
Can't seem to adjust skimmer to the point that there are no bubbles. If I adjust so that there aren't bubbles, it seems that there is no foam for detritus collection. That makes me think I should add the Penguin back on.
Or..... how many bubbles are O.K. ?
What to do?
S.

[ann83]

You can put a piece of filter sponge underneath the skimmer output to catch the bubbles, or buy a bubble trap. Also, skimmers take a while to break in and the bubbles should lessen. I don't see any problem with using the penguin 150 as additional filtration though, but toss out the biowheel if it has one.

[sharla1234]

Thanks ann83,
I've never seen a bubble trap, so not sure where to start there. Are they effective?
Will the Penguin be too much current in addition to the Seaclone??

[ann83]

I've never used a bubble trap, I've just seen them in the Drs. Foster and Smith catalog. You can DIY one out of a breeder box and some filter media... I think sax did that and mentioned it in your other thread. Sponges are cheap though, so you might just try sticking a sponge under there first and see if that helps. I don't think the penguin will be too much current because both the penguin and the seaclone return at the surface, and that dissipates pretty quickly. As long as there isn't a strong current blowing the seahorses around in the tank (like from a powerhead or several powerheads), then you should be fine.

[sharla1234]

Thanks ann83,
Added Penguin, w/o biowheel, there are lots of bubbles from the penguin.
Should I raise water level even more?
Not so worried about the current, just all the bubbles!
Want environment just right for them before I add them

[pledosophy]

IMO your water level should be as high as possible.

Odd question but what size bubbles are we speaking of? Do they look bebe size, or spec of dust size? When you say lots do you mean it is making it hard to see through the tank. IMO some larger bubbles are fine. But if it is obstructing your view, then, no good.

I stop the micro bubbles and the noise from my remora with a piece of sponge, it's a fairly easy fix. I had built a bubble trap like Greg has, but since the skimmer is in the sump a sponge is just easier for me.

HTH

[sharla1234]

Thanks Pledosophy,
The bubbles are at the surface & bebe size from the Penguin 150. Have water level raised as high as possible.
Orange (maybe) Reidis come in tomorrow, so want the setup as comfortable as possible for them.
Don't have a skimmer on this setup.
Also, if I adjust skimmer (Seaclone 100) to point that it has foam, there are more surface bubbles. (Smaller than what Penguin is producing).
S.

[sharla1234]

Oops, what I meant is I don't have a SUMP on this setup as I do on my main reef.

[sharla1234]

Not really sure how to make bubble trap. Maybe I could rubberband some blue filter pad to bottom of Penguin 150 where water comes out somehow???????

[sharla1234]

No worries. Raised the water level as high as it would go. Bubbles are better. Horses are doing great.