Sump flow bypassing middle section.

[Philipgonzales3]

This is my first saltwater tank. It is an SCA 50 gallon PNP. First of all the SCA-301 produces a crapload of microbubbles after restarting. I took it out to cut the barb flush when put inside the skimmer body. Supposedly this helps with the microbubbles but as you can see there are still a very large amount of microbubbles. I guess I just have to deal with this every time it restarts?

Also the flow in my sump seems to be bypassing the middle section. That can't be good right? I have about 8" of water in the sump.

Here are the specs on the sump:

One 3 camber glass sump (19-3/4"W x 16-1/2"L x 13"H)

Does this flow look normal? Any easy way to fix? Maybe my water level is too high?

 

[Philipgonzales3]

This is my first saltwater tank. It is an SCA 50 gallon PNP. First of all the SCA-301 produces a crapload of microbubbles after restarting. I took it out to cut the barb flush when put inside the skimmer body. Supposedly this helps with the microbubbles but as you can see there are still a very large amount of microbubbles. I guess I just have to deal with this every time it restarts?

Also the flow in my sump seems to be bypassing the middle section. That can't be good right? I have about 8" of water in the sump.

Here are the specs on the sump:

One 3 camber glass sump (19-3/4"W x 16-1/2"L x 13"H)

Does this flow look normal? Any easy way to fix? Maybe my water level is too high?

I thought about this for a minute and I'm thinking maybe the microbubbles "bypassing" the middle section of the sump is normal since the air is lighter than water?

 

[Taxman20]

That middle section where the bag of media is, isnt getting any flow at all so its useless. The flow needs to pass through that section. Either change the entrance or leaving side glass panel.

 

[Pntbll687]

For what you have set up the flow is normal.

But you're going to need to change the way the baffles are set in order to correct the flow.

If you switch the order of the two baffles next to the return pump you should be good to go.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

That middle section where the bag of media is, isnt getting any flow at all so its useless. The flow needs to pass through that section. Either change the entrance or leaving side glass panel.

For what you have set up the flow is normal.

But you're going to need to change the way the baffles are set in order to correct the flow.

If you switch the order of the two baffles next to the return pump you should be good to go.

That is what I was afraid of. I wouldn't trust myself to do this myself. I'm not the most handy person and me and glue do not usually do well lol.

 

[Super Fly]

That is what I was afraid of. I wouldn't trust myself to do this myself. I'm not the most handy person and me and glue do not usually do well lol.

u dont have to glue pipes in the final drain section to sump, just push fit them and it'll be fine. That appears to be quite rapid flow coming back from DT, perhaps u may try reducing the return pump flow rate to reduce water movement and see if that helps w micro bubbles.

Also, placing a filter floss or foam filter between baffles will remove any micro bubbles.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Also, placing a filter floss or foam filter between baffles will remove any micro bubbles.

True, but then you will regularly need to pull the filter floss out and clean it as it will collect lots of 'stuff' especially if the water into the sump isn't going through a filter sock.

To the OP, IMHO there is something SERIOUSLY wrong with your skimmer! To get that many bubbles out of my skimmer (an inexpensive Coral Box brand) I would have to push flow through it so hard that it would overflow the collection cup in 60 seconds! There is something 'not right' in the design or build or settings in that skimmer.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

u dont have to glue pipes in the final drain section to sump, just push fit them and it'll be fine. That appears to be quite rapid flow coming back from DT, perhaps u may try reducing the return pump flow rate to reduce water movement and see if that helps w micro bubbles.

Also, placing a filter floss or foam filter between baffles will remove any micro bubbles.

Well I have already glued all the PVC fittings/pipes under the sump. I have a union fitting on each line. I was more concerned about my inability to swap the last two baffles in my sump. It seems it would make more sense to have the last two baffles swapped but I do not have confidence in my ability to swap them. Especially when it came to using the silicone. I have moved the filter sock holder to the back wall of the sump instead of the side and also have removed the metal hose clamp that was under water and replaced it with a plastic one. I will be doing the same to the one that sits above the water as it ends up in the water whenever I turn off the return pump. I will putting foam/filter floss in between the baffles. I don't have any on had at the moment so I will have to order some.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

True, but then you will regularly need to pull the filter floss out and clean it as it will collect lots of 'stuff' especially if the water into the sump isn't going through a filter sock.

To the OP, IMHO there is something SERIOUSLY wrong with your skimmer! To get that many bubbles out of my skimmer (an inexpensive Coral Box brand) I would have to push flow through it so hard that it would overflow the collection cup in 60 seconds! There is something 'not right' in the design or build or settings in that skimmer.

I plan to run a filter sock 24/7 replacing it every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I'm also running a square sponge under the filter sock at the moment. May or may not continue running that sponge.

Microbubbles seem to be a common issue with these skimmers. here is a pretty similar pic in the last thread. The general consensus seems to be that my tank is too new, does not have anything really to skim yet, and that it needs to break in more. I dosed ammonia to start my cycle like two weeks ago so this tank has never seen any fish food in it yet. I'm hoping after it breaks in and I have some organics in the water it will start to behave itself or I will chuck it. All the reviews seem to praise it's skimming ability. I've thought about adding a 90 degree coupling on the output but I'm going to try to wait out the microbubbles.

https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/390187-sca-301-tuning-and-micro-bubbles/

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25429933

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24321700

https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/361835-sca-301-skimmer/

 

[TheEngineer]

Your sump level is WAY too high. That’s the cause of all of the issues most likely. I have the same setup.

 

[TheEngineer]

 

[TheEngineer]

The water needs to just go over the top of the baffles.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

The water needs to just go over the top of the baffles.

Hmm really. Yeah I am currently running at 8.5 inches. I probably will likely leave it this way until I get an ATO System, which is next on the list. Not sure exactly what would happen if my water level dropped below the baffle from evaporation. I currently top it off manually daily.

 

[TheEngineer]

If you’re already topping off daily you don’t need to have the level that high. You’ve got at least a few gallons of extra water in there. If it drops that much there’s a bigger problem

 

[TheEngineer]

The only chamber that will change in height is the return chamber with the pump. All others stay the same.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Hmm OK, I guess I'm just afraid to change or break anything lol. I'll see about lowering the water level in the sump this afternoon.

 

[Vahanyos]

I purchased a tank (not an SCA) and the sump it came with looked identical. I’m used to a sump having controlled water levels through out its chambers except for the return , which is the only chamber that should be fluctuating. This is typically where your ATO sensor would go.

I purchased a new sump. My middle chamber was actually much smaller than yours but the issue wasn’t the size. I didn’t get flow through it like you mentioned, and the water level in ALL my sump chambers should not be fluctuating... even for a tiny bit. ATO or not, small change will make my skimmer not stay adjusted.

Sure you can use it like this. Keep a lower water level like another posted mentioned and you will get better flow through the middle chamber. However, I can not be happier changing out a sump like that. Either make one (super easy, look it up on YouTube) or just buy another one and replace it

Just my two cents

 

[Philipgonzales3]

The only chamber that will change in height is the return chamber with the pump. All others stay the same.

I purchased a tank (not an SCA) and the sump it came with looked identical. I’m used to a sump having controlled water levels through out its chambers except for the return , which is the only chamber that should be fluctuating. This is typically where your ATO sensor would go.

I purchased a new sump. My middle chamber was actually much smaller than yours but the issue wasn’t the size. I didn’t get flow through it like you mentioned, and the water level in ALL my sump chambers should not be fluctuating... even for a tiny bit. ATO or not, small change will make my skimmer not stay adjusted.

Sure you can use it like this. Keep a lower water level like another posted mentioned and you will get better flow through the middle chamber. However, I can not be happier changing out a sump like that. Either make one (super easy, look it up on YouTube) or just buy another one and replace it

Just my two cents

From what I am seeing all levels in the sump fall (evaporation) or rise (manual top off) to the same level. I assumed I would just need an ATO System to keep my Skimmer happy. Either way I will likely get an ATO System just to not have to top off daily. So @TheEngineer you have the same setup and only the return level fluctuates? Why doesn't mine work this way?

Any suggestions @Vahanyos on replacing the sump? It would need to fit under the cabinet so it will need very similar dimensions if not identical. A sump is not something I would make. I'd prefer to buy one.

 

[TheEngineer]

Hmm OK, I guess I'm just afraid to change or break anything lol. I'll see about lowering the water level in the sump this afternoon.

You’ll be ok You’re just removing some water. You’ll have a working protein skimmer when you’re done too.

 

[TheEngineer]

From what I am seeing all levels in the sump fall (evaporation) or rise (manual top off) to the same level. I assumed I would just need an ATO System to keep my Skimmer happy. Either way I will likely get an ATO System just to not have to top off daily. So @TheEngineer you have the same setup and only the return level fluctuates? Why doesn't mine work this way?

Any suggestions @Vahanyos on replacing the sump? It would need to fit under the cabinet so it will need very similar dimensions if not identical. A sump is not something I would make. I'd prefer to buy one.

Yours doesn’t work this way because it is overfilled by several gallons. Fill it to the proper height and it will work as described