Trigger 39 sump issues

[sevitz5]

I have the Trigger 39 sump set up on my 180 gal display tank. I’m having issues with micro bubbles getting into the return chamber and display. I have 2 drain lines coming to the sump. I replaced the filter socks with filter cups that have filter floss in them. The water then goes through my skimmer section and then through the Fuge that’s filled with chaeto. I then have a sponge at the entrance to the bubble trap before the return chamber. If I hold a flashlight up to the sump, I can see micro bubbles passing under the wall and entering the return area.

Anybody else had this? I don’t see how they are getting clear to the end of the sump. Help me if you have ideas.

 

[sevitz5]

Nobody?

 

[Jon Fishman]

Under what wall? You have the black foam it came with installed in the thin section before the return?

 

[sevitz5]

Under what wall? You have the black foam it came with installed in the thin section before the return?

Yes. I bought this used and it didn’t come with the foam, so I bought some at the lfs and have it installed in the thin section before the return

 

[sevitz5]

Under what wall? You have the black foam it came with installed in the thin section before the return?

I’m still getting bubbles coming under the last wall in the return chamber

 

[Jon Fishman]

I have bio balls filling that section, with the plastic grate and foam on top. Can you tell where the bubbles start?

 

[sevitz5]

I have bio balls filling that section, with the plastic grate and foam on top. Can you tell where the bubbles start?

I have Marine pure spheres in that area with the sponge on top. The bubbles are in the sump clear back where the water enters it. Are you using the filter socks?

 

[Jon Fishman]

I have Marine pure spheres in that area with the sponge on top. The bubbles are in the sump clear back where the water enters it. Are you using the filter socks?

Yeah. the three that came with it. Do the cups fit flush? I think I read that they weren’t a great fit. I want media cups for me (hate washing socks...... may just eliminate them completely)

Maybe it has to do with the cups? Try more filter-floss under the cups maybe?

 

[sevitz5]

Yeah. the three that came with it. Do the cups fit flush? I think I read that they weren’t a great fit. I want media cups for me (hate washing socks...... may just eliminate them completely)

Maybe it has to do with the cups? Try more filter-floss under the cups maybe?

I only have the 1 sponge, where do the other 2 go?

 

[Jon Fishman]

Do you have the plastic sewage-grate looking pieces yo go over the cup/sock section? A piece of foam goes over the filter-sock section as a “pre-filter”

 

[Jon Fishman]

I can try to take stuff apart and take pictures, but I bet there are some online

 

[sevitz5]

Do you have the plastic sewage-grate looking pieces yo go over the cup/sock section? A piece of foam goes over the filter-sock section as a “pre-filter”

Yes I have the plastic over the filter cups, but no sponge. How often do you have to clean the sponges? Sorry for the crappy pics

 

[Jon Fishman]

I rinse the sponge that is in that section (it’s only an inch thick or so) every couple of weeks

 

[sevitz5]

I rinse the sponge that is in that section (it’s only an inch thick or so) every couple of weeks

What is the gph you are putting through your sump? I’m at 1000 gph

 

[Jon Fishman]

No idea! I can check my pump, but after head-space etc, it’s just a guess. 1.5” PVC

D/C pump, 2,800 GPH and I have it running at 90%

 

[sevitz5]

No idea! I can check my pump, but after head-space etc, it’s just a guess. 1.5” PVC

D/C pump, 2,800 GPH and I have it running at 90%

I have the Apex flow sensors and it shows 1000 on mine.