Micro bubbles...

[Rob's Reef]

I am in micro bubble hell... I've never had issues before and all the sudden they showed up. I've replaced all the flex tubing in the return. Re-clamped everything tight and I still can't figure it out... it's driving me nuts!

 

[ImGood]

Is it pump impeller cavitation? Is the water level high enough that the return pump isn't sucking air?

 

[Rob's Reef]

Yeah its an external pump, plumbed into the bottom side of my sump. And that has a 90 on it to make sure it picks up water at its lowest point in my sump

 

[cilyjr]

And this just started oUT of the blue?

Sometimes with external pumps the plumbing to the intake can have a tiny area where air can be pulled in. It won't leak because of the air pull. If you turn the pump you may see a small drip. If there is a union check the rubber o ring that seats the union together for a small piece of junk or maybe it is slightly out of its grove.

 

[Rob's Reef]

Yup, out of the blue.

I'll check the Union tomorrow... do they sell replacement orings?

 

[cilyjr]

any luck with this?

 

[Rob's Reef]

any luck with this?

Not yet. I re tightened the unions and cleaned out my impeller. I noticed I have a ball valve on my sump is loose but I can't tighten it without emptying my sump so I can lift it...

So I was getting ready to empty it and do a water change and noticed I'm out of teflon tape... So I'm gonna grab some on my way home and give it another shot...

 

[cilyjr]

Try oateys teflon paste for a better seal.

 

[shoelaceike]

Do you use socks?

 

[CastAway]

Micro bubbles are the latest fad in reefing it seems, and you didn't have to pay a thing.

(Just kidding. Sorry)

Watch for salt creep, as I think drawing air through a fitting will result in some. Hope you find it.

 

[cilyjr]

Do you use socks?

These are great when your feet get cold

 

[shoelaceike]

These are great when your feet get cold

In the warmer months they are great to catch bubbles

 

[Rob's Reef]

Well after weeks of headaches with these dang bubbles I finally fixed it! Of course it was the last fitting possible and the one that took the most work to fix. ;p

 

[ImGood]

I did have a micro bubble issue, even after making sure all the fittings were sealed,I then put a shut off valve on the exit side of the return pump & closed it part way (1/16 th inch)the water flow is fine & the bubbles have ceased.hope this helps

 

[Rob's Reef]

I did have a micro bubble issue, even after making sure all the fittings were sealed,I then put a shut off valve on the exit side of the return pump & closed it part way (1/16 th inch)the water flow is fine & the bubbles have ceased.hope this helps

I fixed my issue, thanks though