Extreme Bubbles/Foam

[chrislower]

Hey All,

I am ready to start my adventure back into the reef world after a 3 year break! I am in the process of setting up my new 48x18x25 tank. It has a central internal overflow with (2) 1" Overflows and (1) 3/4" return. I have gotten everything plumbed up with a herbie style overflow. The problem I am currently having is extreme bubbling / foaming action happening in the main drain. I have tried turning down the main drain with the gate valve to reduce the drain action but it almost has to be at nothing before the bubbling stops. At that point it typically will back up in the tank and start utilizing the emergency drain. I have read that I should install another gate valve or ball valve on the return line and restrict flow. The pump is rated at approximately 950 GPH (LFS Recommended). Any other recommendations or alternate plumbing recommended. Pictures are attached for reference.

I appreciate the help!

Note: Just put water in yesterday so it is in the cycle stage. CaribSea Life Rock and CaribSea Live Sand.

 

[lapin]

Foam is caused by air
Is air getting into the main drain or is it full siphon?
Have you tried placing the main drain pipe (in the sump) under about 1/2 inch of water?

 

[chrislower]

Foam is caused by air
Is air getting into the main drain or is it full siphon?
Have you tried placing the main drain pipe (in the sump) under about 1/2 inch of water?

It’s a full siphon with a Maggie muffler on the top. Right now the gate valve is set to about 3/4 open. The pipe sits probably about about an inch or two below surface.

 

[lapin]

The pipe might be far down in the sump water. It might not be purging all the air. It also might be having a hard time purging air because of the 90's.
Can you take make a new main drain pipe in the overflow thats lower (underwater by 2 inches) and not use the muffler to see if that helps?

 

[Sqwertyl]

Did you rinse the sand?

 

[chrislower]

The pipe might be far down in the sump water. It might not be purging all the air. It also might be having a hard time purging air because of the 90's.
Can you take make a new main drain pipe in the overflow thats lower (underwater by 2 inches) and not use the muffler to see if that helps?

I will try that tomorrow and report back!

 

[chrislower]

Did you rinse the sand?

That I did not! Do you think the foam could be debri or waste off sand?

 

[Sqwertyl]

That I did not! Do you think the foam could be debri or waste off sand?

When I rinse my sand it's like a bubble bath, that would be my guess

 

[1guydude]

I would pour water over it and let your skimmer catch it.

 

[1guydude]

The foaming should go away. Its all the nutrient build up i think.
D

 

[chrislower]

I will try that tomorrow and report back!

Alright so I think we have found our culprit. I originally cut the pipe down in the sump to just 1inch below and cut down the standpipe a little and still had the issue. I completely removed the Maggie muffler and used the gate valve to fine tune the siphon and it seems to be holding steady. The muffler was definitely silent but it had to be letting air in. Some bubbles below the water line but they dissipate quickly. Thanks for your help!

 

[mightynova63]

First off ball value are not designed for low regulation. I would put a gate valve on the return and open your valve on the drain. Use the return pump to regulate the over flow level. You could be getting the bubbles from turbulence on the drain valve.