Micro bubbles in display

[Bthomas]

I've got tons of tiny micro bubbles coming in to my display through the returns. What could be causing this/what can I do about it? I tried to get pics of the bubbles but they dont show up to well

I do have a bubble trap after the skimmer before the return pump

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've got tons of tiny micro bubbles coming in to my display through the returns. What could be causing this/what can I do about it? I tried to get pics of the bubbles but they dont show up to well

I do have a bubble trap after the skimmer before the return pump

It's most likely either being produced from your skimmer or your return pump. Unfortunately bubble traps don't work as well on micro bubbles only larger bubbles. If you turn off your skimmer and just run your return pump do they go away?

 

[Bthomas]

It's most likely either being produced from your skimmer or your return pump. Unfortunately bubble traps don't work as well on micro bubbles only larger bubbles. If you turn off your skimmer and just run your return pump do they go away?

I turned skimmer off for about 10 minutes and didnt notice a change

 

[Bthomas]

I will say that I don't remember seeing these bubbles before I started running my skimmer.. but i turned it off for a few minutes and still had bubbles with it off.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I will say that I don't remember seeing these bubbles before I started running my skimmer.. but i turned it off for a few minutes and still had bubbles with it off.

I would start looking at your return pump then, when's the last time you cleaned it out?

 

[Bthomas]

I would start looking at your return pump then, when's the last time you cleaned it out?

Tanks only been running for a month and it was brand new

 

[Crabs McJones]

Tanks only been running for a month and it was brand new

are the microbubbles noticeable in the sump around the return pump? or only in the display after the return pump has spit them out?

 

[Bthomas]

are the microbubbles noticeable in the sump around the return pump? or only in the display after the return pump has spit them out?

Only noticeable in display

 

[Crabs McJones]

Only noticeable in display

So air has to be making its way in either via your return pump or if there is a leak in the line somewhere that is sucking air. I would still check your return pump if that's the case. Could be that sponges or something have gotten in there and are causing air gaps in the return.

 

[skiergd011013]

I recommend putting a ball valve on your teturn pump, and throttling it back. That could help a lot.

 

[Bthomas]

I recommend putting a ball valve on your teturn pump, and throttling it back. That could help a lot.

I do have a ball valve which is fully open so i can mess with that some also

 

[skiergd011013]

Good plan. It could solve the issue.