Can a SCWD cause microbubbles?

Bkndsdl · 03/29/2007, 06:18 PM

Just like the subject says. I have a 90 gallon system with a Mag 12 return pump. I have two SCWD's in the return; one side of the SCWDs return through bhds in the back of the tank, and the other side goes over the top of the tank to the front glass, turn down, then point back towards the sides at a 45 degree angle.

At first, I thought it was the check valve, so I removed it. No such luck. I have my suspicions about the two return lines over the top of the tank, but once they fill with water, the larger bubbles dissipate, but the microbubbles don't. I'm thinking maybe the SCWD outputs and inputs have to be siliconed, although there are no leaks, I'm thinking they may be sucking air. Anyone have this problem with a SCWD in their system?

Thanks in advance!

reefnetworth · 03/29/2007, 06:34 PM

i would imagine its from the pump, if its was from the lines it would be leakin water somewhere. superglue gel and then silicone for best seals. have a great night!
JDM...

...

Bkndsdl · 03/29/2007, 06:36 PM

Not from the pump.........there is a piece of hose btwn the pump and return header, and it's clear as can be. Thanks, though.......

MayoBoy · 03/29/2007, 07:46 PM

What size is your suction line? If the pump isn't getting enough water it will cavitate and cause micro bubbles. With a Mag 12, you want a 1-1/4" if not 1-1/2" suction line.

Bkndsdl · 03/30/2007, 05:22 AM

Not that, bc suction is open at the pump (submersed). No filter on the suction other than the one they supply for keeping critters out. Thanks for the reply, though.

Anyone else? This really sucks.............

Bkndsdl · 03/30/2007, 06:19 PM

no one else has had this problem?

BurntOutReefer · 03/30/2007, 07:53 PM

tighten your clamps around the scwd......

Bkndsdl · 03/31/2007, 06:58 AM

Burnt, is it your opinion that they are sucking air?

michaeldaly · 03/31/2007, 07:25 AM

Air has to be getting in somewhere, as mentioned check and tighten all joints, it could be coming from the pump is small amounts and collecting and merging into bigger bubbles in the squid.

ARNETT · 03/31/2007, 09:27 AM

the bubles mite be in the water already before going into the pump had that from my skimmer before !slow the water down in the sump with baffles are something it mite help this give the air time to rise in the water !

03/29/2007, 06:18 PM	#1
Bkndsdl Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 532	Can a SCWD cause microbubbles? Just like the subject says. I have a 90 gallon system with a Mag 12 return pump. I have two SCWD's in the return; one side of the SCWDs return through bhds in the back of the tank, and the other side goes over the top of the tank to the front glass, turn down, then point back towards the sides at a 45 degree angle. At first, I thought it was the check valve, so I removed it. No such luck. I have my suspicions about the two return lines over the top of the tank, but once they fill with water, the larger bubbles dissipate, but the microbubbles don't. I'm thinking maybe the SCWD outputs and inputs have to be siliconed, although there are no leaks, I'm thinking they may be sucking air. Anyone have this problem with a SCWD in their system? Thanks in advance! __________________ -Mike from Alabama Boss: 'I'm sorry, we're going to have to let you go. You're too argumentative.' Former Employee: 'No I'm not.' Current Tank Info: 180g reef, 3g nano

03/29/2007, 06:34 PM	#2
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	i would imagine its from the pump, if its was from the lines it would be leakin water somewhere. superglue gel and then silicone for best seals. have a great night! JDM...... __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.

03/29/2007, 06:36 PM	#3
Bkndsdl Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 532	Not from the pump.........there is a piece of hose btwn the pump and return header, and it's clear as can be. Thanks, though....... __________________ -Mike from Alabama Boss: 'I'm sorry, we're going to have to let you go. You're too argumentative.' Former Employee: 'No I'm not.' Current Tank Info: 180g reef, 3g nano

03/29/2007, 07:46 PM	#4
MayoBoy Movin' on Up Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Webster Groves, MO Posts: 2,282	What size is your suction line? If the pump isn't getting enough water it will cavitate and cause micro bubbles. With a Mag 12, you want a 1-1/4" if not 1-1/2" suction line. __________________ Getting sucked back in slowly but surely. Current Tank Info: 27 gallon freshwater planted cube. Amazonian biotope

03/30/2007, 05:22 AM	#5
Bkndsdl Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 532	Not that, bc suction is open at the pump (submersed). No filter on the suction other than the one they supply for keeping critters out. Thanks for the reply, though. Anyone else? This really sucks............. __________________ -Mike from Alabama Boss: 'I'm sorry, we're going to have to let you go. You're too argumentative.' Former Employee: 'No I'm not.' Current Tank Info: 180g reef, 3g nano

03/30/2007, 06:19 PM	#6
Bkndsdl Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 532	no one else has had this problem? __________________ -Mike from Alabama Boss: 'I'm sorry, we're going to have to let you go. You're too argumentative.' Former Employee: 'No I'm not.' Current Tank Info: 180g reef, 3g nano

03/30/2007, 07:53 PM	#7
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	tighten your clamps around the scwd......

03/31/2007, 06:58 AM	#8
Bkndsdl Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 532	Burnt, is it your opinion that they are sucking air? __________________ -Mike from Alabama Boss: 'I'm sorry, we're going to have to let you go. You're too argumentative.' Former Employee: 'No I'm not.' Current Tank Info: 180g reef, 3g nano

03/31/2007, 07:25 AM	#9
michaeldaly Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 2,009	Air has to be getting in somewhere, as mentioned check and tighten all joints, it could be coming from the pump is small amounts and collecting and merging into bigger bubbles in the squid.

03/31/2007, 09:27 AM	#10
ARNETT Registered Member. Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: michigan newport 48166 Posts: 64	the bubles mite be in the water already before going into the pump had that from my skimmer before !slow the water down in the sump with baffles are something it mite help this give the air time to rise in the water !