Aquamaxx hob-1 and micro bubbles.

[Doob]

I've read that it's normal for 1-3 weeks while it breaks in, but I also see that they sell a "bubble stop" which shouldn't be necessary if the bubbles stop on their own eventually. No matter, I don't have room in the back of my JBJ 45 for the thing even if I was willing to buy it. I installed it on April 1st, so I'm nearing 3 weeks and if anything it's getting worse. Halp.

I extended the output tube an extra few inches so that it's completely submerged. Should I cut a piece of filter sponge to shove in the end? Any other tips/tricks?

 

[Doob]

Bump

 

[samnaz]

Did you find a solution to the micro bubbles? I've had this skimmer for about 7 months and they are just getting way worse. The salt creep caused by the bubbles popping at the surface is becoming out of control. It's going to ruin the light fixture I have mounted on my tank.

 

[Doob]

Did you find a solution to the micro bubbles? I've had this skimmer for about 7 months and they are just getting way worse. The salt creep caused by the bubbles popping at the surface is becoming out of control. It's going to ruin the light fixture I have mounted on my tank.

I have not, just learned to live with it. I’ve tried everything I could think of. It is set up now so the output pipe has a 90° elbow on the end and is just below the water surface. I just remove it ever couple of months and give everything a good cleaning.

I tried a couple versions of my own bubble stop. All of them caused back pressure in the skimmer, so it ran with a higher water level, which only got worse as the sponge became dirty. Inconsistent water level caused inconsistent skimming. Cleaning the sponge was more maintenance than cleaning the skimmer periodically.

I imagine their bubble stop would have the same issues, but I’m not going to pay to find out.

 

[samnaz]

I have not, just learned to live with it. I’ve tried everything I could think of. It is set up now so the output pipe has a 90° elbow on the end and is just below the water surface. I just remove it ever couple of months and give everything a good cleaning.

I tried a couple versions of my own bubble stop. All of them caused back pressure in the skimmer, so it ran with a higher water level, which only got worse as the sponge became dirty. Inconsistent water level caused inconsistent skimming. Cleaning the sponge was more maintenance than cleaning the skimmer periodically.

I imagine their bubble stop would have the same issues, but I’m not going to pay to find out.

Seems silly to pay $30 or whatever for their bubble stop. I cut a piece of sponge to fit perfectly on the output pipe, easy and cheap. Hardly helps at all with microbubbles and splashing. Can't see how their version would be any better.

Starting to think there is no way to eliminate the bubbles, or at least decrease them to an acceptable amount.

Guess I need a lid to stop the splashing.

 

[NoWaiAma]

Anyone ever find a solution ? The bubble stopper won’t fit a JBJ 28 from what I’ve read.

 

[HoosierReef]

No luck here. Anyone ever tried extending the exhaust pipe further down say 4-6”?

 

[NoWaiAma]

I’ve got the exhaust extended below the water line. My issue is micro bubbles sneaking over into the return from the left side.

 

[Jae Andrade]

I have the same issue I have a bubble stopper but I have micro bubbles escaping from the left side to the right side where the water returns to tank

 

[Quentin05]

Alright so I know it's an old post but I have the same skimmer and a JBJ45 also and found this thread multiple times during my google research to find a way to fix micro bubbles and I found one.

I hope it helps new JBJ and Aquamaxx HOB owners.

The new JBJ 45 come with 2 filter socks (one for each overflow). Filter socks are not really good in the long run so I replaced it by a 4" diameter plastic cup that I fill with poly-fill but I kept the socks, unthreaded them from the plastic ring and rinsed them.

Then on the output T of the skimmer I added a longer tube on one side of the T, going down into the water in the middle chamber. I then took a rubber band, and attached the sock to this tube really tight.

The sock should not get dirty as fast as if it was at the overflow but you have a spare sock if you need one.

Bubbles gone after 10 minutes.

 

[TeeJay87]

I have the Aquamaxx ConeS HoB skimmer. Doing the following always improved the performance and helped with/eliminated bubble issues.

1) Open the skimmer so water level is lowest.
2) Take the air intake tube off the silencer and submerge in water for ~15 seconds.
3) Replace air intake tube back on to silencer and reset the water level of the skimmer.

 

[bdupuy]

I have the Aquamaxx ConeS HoB skimmer. Doing the following always improved the performance and helped with/eliminated bubble issues.

1) Open the skimmer so water level is lowest.
2) Take the air intake tube off the silencer and submerge in water for ~15 seconds.
3) Replace air intake tube back on to silencer and reset the water level of the skimmer.

Did the same and that helped.

Also tilted the outlet pipe so the 90 degree elbow meets the water’s surface allowing bubbles to escape rather than being pushed out under the water.