Micro bubbles from Skimmer

[Nick C]

Hello all,

So i have Micro bubbles coming from my skimmer making their way into the DT. It's a Skimz DC Skimmer, (I bought it used so i don't know the exact model) With that being said, and it being used, i don't think there should be much of a break in for it. The bubbles stop when i turn it to feed mode or off. When running i have it turned about half way up, and opened enough that the bubbles are right at the base of the cup.

What should i do? I saw somewhere someone mentioned a skimmer sock? Possibly a sponge filter? What do you guys recommend? It doesn't seem to be hurting anything, more of an eye sore in the DT

 

[EmdeReef]

A coarse sponge pad in your sump before the return pump chamber should eliminate microbubbles.

 

[theMeat]

Post a pic of sump setup

 

[Nick C]

A coarse sponge pad in your sump before the return pump chamber should eliminate microbubbles.

There is a filter sponge there than came with the sump. I guess i could try and clean it

Post a pic of sump setup

I will take a picture of it when i get home and post it.

 

[Sailingeric]

I have a basket with chaeto between my skimmer and return pump, no bubbles here.

 

[rkpetersen]

I also use a course plastic mesh baffle before the return change to avoid microbubbles, although with my setup I probably wouldn't have them anyway.

I have heard of people tying a mesh bag like you'd use for carbon or even just panty hose over the skimmer outlet, to catch microbubbles. Never tried it so don't know how well it works.

 

[Nick C]

So i'm not home but here is my sump. Fuge has some rock and chaeto, in the large area i have the skimmer, my ATO empties into it, and my carbon reactor.

 

[Nick C]

A coarse sponge pad in your sump before the return pump chamber should eliminate microbubbles.

This is what comes with the sump / what eshopps sells as a replacement.

This is what i found somewhere else. And i found it online, but i don't feel like spending 25 dollars for it haha. I wonder if like HomeDepot or Lowes might have something close to it?

 

[Nick C]

Oh i also have a heater completely submerged on the bottom acrylic where the water comes from the filter sock to that chamber. It's pretty cramped, (i should have gotten bigger or made my own) but it works. Minus the dang bubbles.

 

[Nick C]

Sump

 

[theMeat]

Having your reactor dump into return area would cut down the flow from skimmer, therefore carrying less bubbles to return. Should at least help

Having skimmer output run directly into filter sock would help

Could place return pump into filter sock

Could put elbow facing down on return pump input, or place container over return pump with holes drilled around bottom so pump gets water from bottom

 

[Nick C]

Having your reactor dump into return area would cut down the flow from skimmer, therefore carrying less bubbles to return. Should at least help

Having skimmer output run directly into filter sock would help

Could place return pump into filter sock

Could put elbow facing down on return pump input, or place container over return pump with holes drilled around bottom so pump gets water from bottom

Reactor to return area is possible, but these bubbles are created even when reactor isn't running. (i don't run it 24/7) what do you mean have the skimmer output directly into a filter sock? Like find a way to attach a sock to the output of the skimmer?I could probably put the pump in a sock i guess? and just kind of let it sit at the bottom of that chamber?

 

[theMeat]

Yeah, put skimmer output into sock.

If you put the whole skimmer into sock then water going into skimmer will be filtered=not good