Age Old Problem - Biocube 29 & SR3 Skimmer Bubbles

[jpk951]

I have searched and searched and read and read, but I still don't have a definitive answer about micro bubbles in the main tank when using the SR3 Protein Skimmer. The tank salinity is 1.023; no feeding chemicals. The bio bales are in place. I have tried every air valve setting from completely closed to entirely removed. Of course closed does not produce micro bubbles in the main tank, but even slightly opening the valve produces bubbles. I have bought additional filter media 20 and 30 PPI and tried putting in the skimmer output and around the 3rd chamber pump (in addition to the "stock" blue media) Still no luck. I have raised the water level in the 3rd chamber to the top of the min/max window (pretty much what the SR3 instructions say). How does the skimmer chamber elevation affect the bubbles? Any help will be much appreciated.

[dma]

I've had an SR3 in our BC29 for months and it works great- consistent skimmate ( I run it a little wet ). There was a microbubble issue at first, but completely abated after a few days. I trust that this has been your experience by now. My only real gripe about the unit is its noise level. Because our tank is in a bedroom, I run the skimmer on a timer so it's off at night.

[jpk951]

Thanks for the reply, yes after some "break-in" time, the skimmer is working fine.. I agree that the noise is an issue. Ours is in a living area so we run the skimmer at night. Thanks again for your reply.