Sump Foam and Microbubbles

[Ashv5]

I just bought this set up off of Craigslist so idk. But I understand why you say it’s backwards. Shouldn’t the last baffle be shorter? How would I flip this?

Can I adjust baffle heights?

 

[WVNed]

Is either of the 2 baffles next to the pump chamber loose? That is supposed to for a section where water goes over one and under the other. They should be at least an inch apart too.

 

[Ashv5]

Can I adjust baffle heights?

Yes!!! I just adjusted the baffle height. How’s this ?

 

[Ashv5]

Can I add water height in the return are now? Or is it good right now?

 

[WIReefer]

I just bought this set up off of Craigslist so idk. But I understand why you say it’s backwards. Shouldn’t the last baffle be shorter? How would I flip this?

You should be set now!

 

[WIReefer]

I did not no you could adjust! Lol. Much better would still add water so it’s not such a drastic waterfall

 

[WVNed]

You want the water in the pump section lower. If it is all the same height It will all go down as water evaporates.

 

[WVNed]

 

[Ashv5]

I did not no you could adjust! Lol. Much better would still add water so it’s not such a drastic waterfall

Here is the adjusted full setup. What do you think?

 

[WIReefer]

Here is the adjusted full setup. What do you think?

Much better!

 

[Ashv5]

Awesome and bubbles starting to clear up.

Thank you so much guys. This community is amazing!

 

[Ashv5]

Awesome and bubbles starting to clear up.

Thank you so much guys. This community is amazing!

One last question. The foam is normal? I was thinking it’s because the pump pulled in lots of air when I didn’t set up the sump correctly.

 

[Ashv5]

Much better!

One last question. The foam is normal? I was thinking it’s because the pump pulled in lots of air when I didn’t set up the sump correctly.

 

[Ashv5]

Or just emptying micro bubbles idk. I hope the foam is fine.

 

[Darren in Tacoma]

You probably have that foam from sucking air into the down flow pipe. You want to adjust the speed of your return pump, if it is a DC pump, or if it is AC you don't have a way to, first. If adjustable start at around 75%. Then you will adjust the valve on the down flow. Look at the water level in your tank, in the overflow chamber. You want the water to go down the pipe without spilling over and sucking air. This can take a while to get right, sometimes making minute adjustments over several days. After that, add water to the pump section of your sump until you get it where you want it. If it cascades over the top too much you will get more bubbles in the display tank. Also set up your ATO to refill the pump chamber. This should be the only part of the tank where the water level changes going forward. Next comes the real fun part. Turn off the return pump and see if the sump overflows. It shouldn't. Make sure the pump nozzles are not so far under the water that it siphons back down to the pump.

 

[WIReefer]

foam should go away