Micro bubbles - floating filter socks - and ATO concerns on First setup

[SeaCreature]

I filled my tank with fresh water to test the setup of the equipment and there are bubbles everywhere. The stock filter socks float. I am also concerned that the ATO pump is not strong enough to push the water upward into the sump. During my testing the sensor would recognize the drop in water level and turn on but no water would come out. After spending several hours changing the position of the tubing and placement of the reservoir it worked but not consistently.

All suggestions are welcomed especially regarding the micro bubbles and the ATO.

PS:
I am initially planning on using this tank as a quarantine tank and would prefer not to make any more significant investments in this tank for a while. Yes I know I already went overboard for a QT setup but deep down I know I will want another DT and needed to make the investment know while my husband is onboard. It will be much easier to make the case for an inexpensive QT setup later.

PS I have no concerns that the ATO will cause an overflow after a power outage. It would almost always turn on after turning the power of and back on and would fill back to the appropriate level or would turn off after a couple of minutes.

Equipment:
IM Nuvo Fusion 20 gal
Stock return pump
Skkye LED Light X 2
Ghost desktop Skimmer
Tunze Nano 3152 ATO
Eheim True Temp 75 watt heater x 2
Koralia Nano powerhead x 1
VorTech MP10 x 1
VorTech battery backup
Apex Jr (not installed yet) w/ ALD module
Deep Blue 8x8 cube (reservoir)

 

[Maggie321]

As far at the ATO goes, I have the same one and if it looses it's prime, I have to push/pull it up and down in the resivoir to push water through it. Mine goes about 4 foot from pump to top of tube. It only takes a few seconds and I typically check it daily, maybe every other day to be sure my resivoir isn't empty.

 

[SeaCreature]

As far at the ATO goes, I have the same one and if it looses it's prime, I have to push/pull it up and down in the resivoir to push water through it. Mine goes about 4 foot from pump to top of tube. It only takes a few seconds and I typically check it daily, maybe every other day to be sure my resivoir isn't empty.

Thank you I will give that a try.

 

[Maggie321]

Also, new tanks tend to have a problem with bubbles. Once it's been running for a while they will dissipate. While you cycle it, it should disappear gradually.

 

[SeaCreature]

Also, new tanks tend to have a problem with bubbles. Once it's been running for a while they will dissipate. While you cycle it, it should disappear gradually.

I checked the tank just before looking to see if I had any additional responses. There,s already a noticeable difference. I,m going to proceed with adding salt and starting the cycle.

Thank you for the assist(s)

 

[Maggie321]

I checked the tank just before looking to see if I had any additional responses. There,s already a noticeable difference. I,m going to proceed with adding salt and starting the cycle.

Thank you for the assist(s)

Did you fill it with RODI?

 

[SeaCreature]

Did you fill it with RODI?

No. Plan was use tap. Pump out allow to dry for a couple of days the refill with Rodi

 

[saintsreturn]

Just saw this post. Hopefully you are not to far in the process. Do not use tap water to start your cycle. If you do not have an RODI system, please go buy salt water or RODI from the store and use that. Tap water, even treated, will lead to issues later down the road.