Stop the bubbles [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

tony13

05/21/2006, 08:18 PM

I have the dreaded micro bubles coming up to the main tank and can't get rid of them. My system is simple with the drain going into a filter sock, which is in a bucket, which sits in a 100g sump. What other method could I use? I'm open to adding another smaller sump, bucket or whatever it takes. Thanks.

Hop

05/21/2006, 08:24 PM

Need more details and pics of the set up would be better.

But I would settle for what pump on what tank and how much GPH you think your cranking. Did you double check all your plumbing to make sure you are not drawing air in from a joint somewhere. Also if it's a long run of pipe, it could take a month or so to get the slime coat built up in the pipes and drop your issue a tad...

tony13

05/21/2006, 08:32 PM

It's a hammerhead pumping upstairs from the basement. I'm getting around 1800-2000 gph. It comes back down thru a 3" pipe and it's @15' drop so it's pretty violent in the sump. The micro sock helps alot. Some times there's no bubbles but when the sock starts to clog it overflows and there are more bubbles.

Hop

05/21/2006, 08:46 PM

Yeah, that's how I learned my lesson. I had a barracuda and was hitting about 3000 GPH. Too much through the sump too fast. You only need about 900 GPH. I wouldn't be surprised if your not hitting closer to the 3000-3500 GPH mark with that pump:) There may be some things to do to help. Maybe have it drain into another bucket, thus creating a few makeshift baffles. I just gave up on mine and downgraded my return pump to a Blue Line. Not only did it take care of my micro-bubble issue, it made my wallet about $30 fatter each month:)

Good luck, let me know!

tony13

05/22/2006, 05:12 AM

It's a strong pump but with the head and it's "T"ed off to feed other things it doing in the 1800-2000 range. I even tested it when it was first set up. Anybody else have ideas?

tony13

05/23/2006, 05:21 AM

Is there any other way to stop bubbles? I've heard of baffle boxes or some type of bucket but can't find anything.
Thanks.

Fiziksgeek

05/23/2006, 10:15 AM

I vote for cutting down on the flow through the sump. 1000gph max..750 would be better. Get the flow with a CL or power heads!