Bubbles from my left return?

big tanner · 09-13-2008, 06:08 PM

My sump is currently 3-4'' deeper than my return pump. My return plumbing is T'd off and I have it set up so there's one return on the left side and one on the right. The right side never has any bubbles come out of it, and the left side however, shoots out a small amount every 10 to 15 seconds. Any clues as to why this is happening.

Witfull · 09-13-2008, 06:11 PM

small leak in the plumbing allowing a venturi effect possibly

big tanner · 09-13-2008, 06:15 PM

Every piece of the plumbing setup was cleaned and glued. I even made sure to use pleny of the plumber's glue. So far, there has been no visible leaks.

Witfull · 09-13-2008, 06:18 PM

then you could be getting a slight cavitation and the left side is the least resistant and is spitting out bubbles.

big tanner · 09-13-2008, 06:20 PM

I think you may be right. What do you think Witfull, if I cut the left side off all together and only use one return. But, if I do this, it will raise the output from my return pump and my overflow box is already on the verge of being maxed out.

faust · 09-13-2008, 06:22 PM

can you try to reduce the diameter of the one side to see if load will reduce the cavitation

big tanner · 09-13-2008, 06:29 PM

I already reduced both return pipes when they make their last elbow into the actual aquarium from 3/4'' to 1/2''. Man I swear this is my first ever ''small'' setup. I just wanted a little tank for the bedroom. It's a 29 gallon, and it has been nothing but a stressful headache!

09-13-2008, 06:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
big tanner Serpent Star Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland, Tennessee Posts: 220 View Gallery Karma Komment	Bubbles from my left return? My sump is currently 3-4'' deeper than my return pump. My return plumbing is T'd off and I have it set up so there's one return on the left side and one on the right. The right side never has any bubbles come out of it, and the left side however, shoots out a small amount every 10 to 15 seconds. Any clues as to why this is happening.

09-13-2008, 06:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
big tanner Serpent Star Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland, Tennessee Posts: 220 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Bubbles from my left return? Every piece of the plumbing setup was cleaned and glued. I even made sure to use pleny of the plumber's glue. So far, there has been no visible leaks.

09-13-2008, 06:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
big tanner Serpent Star Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland, Tennessee Posts: 220 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Bubbles from my left return? I think you may be right. What do you think Witfull, if I cut the left side off all together and only use one return. But, if I do this, it will raise the output from my return pump and my overflow box is already on the verge of being maxed out.

09-13-2008, 06:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
faust over caffinated reefer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: chandler, ok Posts: 751 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bubbles from my left return? can you try to reduce the diameter of the one side to see if load will reduce the cavitation

09-13-2008, 06:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
big tanner Serpent Star Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland, Tennessee Posts: 220 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Bubbles from my left return? I already reduced both return pipes when they make their last elbow into the actual aquarium from 3/4'' to 1/2''. Man I swear this is my first ever ''small'' setup. I just wanted a little tank for the bedroom. It's a 29 gallon, and it has been nothing but a stressful headache!

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