Return Pump Blowing Bubbles

[Andrew Stevens]

Hey guys,

My return pump will blow a mist of small bubbles every few minutes. I have a Waterbox 5526 Peninsula with two rfg nozzles, and the bubble mist only comes out of one nozzle.

Equipment that might be causing the issue: Ecotech Vectra M2 Main Pump and Reef Octopus Regal 150SSS skimmer.

I'm not sure if the issue is coming from the main pump or the skimmer. Any tips for how to diagnose and fix this issue?

Thanks!

Andrew

 

[zheka757]

how is the water level in a sump?

 

[Andrew Stevens]

 

[Sean Clark]

Raise that water level up in the return chamber. There is no reason to run it so low and close to the pump intake.

 

[fishski13]

Its interesting that you mention the bubbles only comes out of only one of the nozzles. did you check that the fittings are all good on that plumping. maybe it is sucking in air through something,

 

[Steve2020]

If it was the pump or skimmer you should be getting bubbles from both nozzles. I would also check to see if you have something wrong with the nozzle that may be causing cavitation.

 

[Sean Clark]

Don't make this harder than it needs to be. Add an inch or two of water above the pump and your problem will be solved...

 

[Sean Clark]

#Cronies
Thoughts?

 

[vetteguy53081]

There is a plate between left and right chamber. Allow more water in. Whats happening is you are getting a sporadic tornado effect and its sucking in air briefly
Assure also that your skimmer tube is not emitting bubbles

 

[Nate Chalk]

Agree with Sean , that water level gon be high in the skimmer chamber though right

 

[Steve2020]

I find this thread interesting with some of the replies especially the ones that say the water level in the return section is the definite issue. It may be but I am running an L2 at 80% and an M2 at 50% and my water level is only 1/2" higher than his which puts my L2 intake closer to the surface than his M2 and I have never had a vortex issue even during my daily 3.5gal AWC. Lowering the plate may not be something he would want to do because that will lower his water level in the skimmer section and may affect his skimmer operation. Adding more saltwater to the total tank volume will increase the return pump water level and correct the issue if it happens to be a vortex issue but he may be running that water level so he doesn't overflow his sump when the return pump is shut down. A question needs to be asked is if it is a water level issue creating a vortex with the return pump then WHY ONLY ONE NOZZEL is affected and not both?
RFG's are a 3D printed device and there may be a small defect with one of them that is causing a cavitation every couple minutes or the nozzle may be to close to the surface. The Higher the flow the lower the nozzle needs to be.

 

[zheka757]

There is a plate between left and right chamber. Allow more water in. Whats happening is you are getting a sporadic tornado effect and its sucking in air briefly
Assure also that your skimmer tube is not emitting bubbles

I 100% agree with this! as i witness this happening to my l2, exempt my also make a noise as this happens (like a bath tub draining sound)
to OP, start by raising water in return chamber, easiest step to rule out the pump

 

[CoralB]

What Sean Clark and Vette guy said !!!

 

[Jedi Knghit]

I find this thread interesting with some of the replies especially the ones that say the water level in the return section is the definite issue. It may be but I am running an L2 at 80% and an M2 at 50% and my water level is only 1/2" higher than his which puts my L2 intake closer to the surface than his M2 and I have never had a vortex issue even during my daily 3.5gal AWC. Lowering the plate may not be something he would want to do because that will lower his water level in the skimmer section and may affect his skimmer operation. Adding more saltwater to the total tank volume will increase the return pump water level and correct the issue if it happens to be a vortex issue but he may be running that water level so he doesn't overflow his sump when the return pump is shut down. A question needs to be asked is if it is a water level issue creating a vortex with the return pump then WHY ONLY ONE NOZZEL is affected and not both?
RFG's are a 3D printed device and there may be a small defect with one of them that is causing a cavitation every couple minutes or the nozzle may be to close to the surface. The Higher the flow the lower the nozzle needs to be.

I have two urchins in my 125. A tuxedo and a rose urchin. Love um. They really do a great job. I've never had a problem with them eating corals, but they will pick up anything that isn't glued down VERY well! Frags, snails, small children, etc... You really have to urchin proof the tank. I kind of like the fact that they pick up things that I can't reach, and all I have to do is clean them off periodically.

I saw a post once where someone was looking for little Mr. Potatohead like items to spread around the tank. Eyeballs, mustach, top hat, etc... for them to dress up with. Thought it was a great idea.

I have had that exact same issue when the nozzles are too close to the surface.

 

[Andrew Stevens]

Thanks guys!! Some really good responses here. I'll allow more water in and raise the water level in the return and see what happens.

Also, turns out it's both nozzles that blow bubbles. I just could only see it from one side