Return blowing bubbles

[mjszos]

Hey all,

Having an issue that has me totally flustered. I setup a new Red Sea Reefer 250 this week, however my return pump is blowing micro bubbles consistently and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.

Troubleshooting performed:

-Replumbed my return
-Tried every flow setting
-Siliconed around the joints that aren’t glued
-Adjusted water level in sump
-Turned off skimmer (it’s off anyway as I’m cycling)
-Turned off gyres/wavemakers
-Changed hose for return
-Put O-rings and plumbers tape on every threaded piece

The pump is an 1850GPH DC pump that I’m running at about 30%. I see absolutely no leaks anywhere. I’m flummoxed by this.

Cheers!

 

[sfin52]

Are you getting micro bubbles going into the return chamber

 

[mjszos]

Are you getting micro bubbles going into the return chamber

Sorry I must have been unclear, it’s bubbling on the outlet to the display. There are no bubbles in the sump or visible in the return. No vortex being made in the return chamber

 

[sfin52]

Sorry I must have been unclear, it’s bubbling on the outlet to the display. There are no bubbles in the sump or visible in the return. No vortex being made in the return chamber

Just making sure your return want pulling micro bubbles from the sump.

 

[Shibaken3]

try adding some sponges to the pump. also, pictures will help

 

[mjszos]

Just making sure your return want pulling micro bubbles from the sump.

Yea my first thought was that my skimmer was causing the bubbling, but even with it turned off it still causes bubbles.

I notice that it’s a little better when running at the absolute lowest setting but im not sure my turnover is at a good point.

try adding some sponges to the pump. also, pictures will help

I do have a piece of filter floss between the chambers. I will attach some photos as soon as I’m back by the tank.

 

[Sean Clark]

Air is getting in somewhere. I would assume that your intake on the return pump is too close to the surface and is drawing air in. You can usually see this if you watch the surface. It may not be constantly drawing air in and only pulling air once in a while. Try adding a 90 elbow facing down to the intake of the return pump or if possible raise the return chamber water level.

 

[mjszos]

Photos of the sump per @Shibaken3

One thing of note - the hose not being fully up on the return is not the issue. This was a fresh hose I cut to make sure there’s no fissures in it causing problems.

Air is getting in somewhere. I would assume that your intake on the return pump is too close to the surface and is drawing air in. You can usually see this if you watch the surface. It may not be constantly drawing air in and only pulling air once in a while. Try adding a 90 elbow facing down to the intake of the return pump or if possible raise the return chamber water level.

I am sure this is the case, the issue is that I cannot find where it is leaking. I see no water dripping anywhere, I siliconed over every seam to see if it would improve - since it did not I removed it to prevent future me any issues.

 

[Sean Clark]

From your video I can see that your main drain silencer is too high and needs to be lowered. This is the far right drain in the video. This should be a friction fit and only needs to be pushed down a little bit so that it is slightly lower than the secondary drain (the middle pipe). A slight adjustment to this will eliminate the air getting introduced into the the system through the secondary (middle) drain line.

 

[Sean Clark]

I would also recommend that you install some plastic hose clamps onto your return line hose so that it does not leak in the future.

 

[mjszos]

From your video I can see that your main drain silencer is too high and needs to be lowered. This is the far right drain in the video. This should be a friction fit and only needs to be pushed down a little bit so that it is slightly lower than the secondary drain (the middle pipe). A slight adjustment to this will eliminate the air getting introduced into the the system through the secondary (middle) drain line.

If I’m understanding correctly, the top of the silencer should be below the emergency drain? I was under the impression that the silencer on this tank fed from below rather than above. I will see if I can push it down a bit!

 

[mjszos]

I would also recommend that you install some plastic hose clamps onto your return line hose so that it does not leak in the future.

I have some on order arriving next week, was planning on this. Thanks!

 

[dstockwell]

Micro bubbles from skimmer because it’s not broke in?

 

[Sean Clark]

If I’m understanding correctly, the top of the silencer should be below the emergency drain? I was under the impression that the silencer on this tank fed from below rather than above. I will see if I can push it down a bit!

Your secondary drain should only draw in water if there is a primary drain restriction. I am assuming that you have your drain valve wide open, but you did not state that was the case. Opening the valve if it is closed may also correct the water level.

 

[mjszos]

Micro bubbles from skimmer because it’s not broke in?

Skimmer is unplugged as I’ve just started my cycle with Dr Tim’s.

Your secondary drain should only draw in water if there is a primary drain restriction. I am assuming that you have your drain valve wide open, but you did not state that was the case. Opening the valve if it is closed may also correct the water level.

Taking a closer look it does indeed feed from the bottom, the silencer cannot go any further down. See attached video. I do not see any water going down the emergency drain.

I’m quite confused as everything is bone dry. My brain tells me that if air can get in, water can get out. If I had a leak or something loose I should be able to track it down to a drip - no?

 

[mjszos]

Well I solved my problem and I feel like a complete moron... I turned off the gyres to minimize surface agitation and thought I unplugged my wavemaker that was lower... Apparently it was creating enough flow to agitate the surface enough for a hairs width of my return to poke out of the water... I pushed my return down more (thought I had it as low as possible) and lo and behold no more bubbles...

Case closed, I need a drink. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions - I'll take my dunce hat now.

 

[dstockwell]

Good for you

 

[Sean Clark]

Spread those dunce caps around. We all need them.

 

[mjszos]

Good for you

Spread those dunce caps around. We all need them.

This is one of the KISS moments... Keep It Simple, Stupid...

I replumbed my entire system twice, adjusted every single parameter... And my issue was having proper flow. I laughed at myself, then held my head in shame for not thinking of it sooner.

 

[Tcook]

Your problem is solved but another thing to consider, if the problem persisted, would be a restrictive grate or small weir on the pump input causing the impeller to cavitate.