Microbubbles in your RSM? Check here!

[Reefmack]

mzreenie - the extended intake on one pump is a good idea. However, I pulled my extensions off when I set up the sump, and don't get any microbubbles now. But, my pumps are constantly submerged right to the top so that may be why. I think your idea is well worth trying, and we might learn something new about this quirky little tank.

[mzreenie]

What is cavitation?

[MatthewJ]

let us know if that works mzreenie. I also have pretty much had to get used to tons of microbubbles. I'm hoping the new surface skimmer helps, but can't imagine why it would.

[mzreenie]

Well, my tank is the 130D with the newer skimmer, so not sure if it will help you. And I have noticed that the bubbles seem to have nothing to do with the skimmer. If I turn off my skimmer, I still have just as many bubbles, so it is definitely the fault of the pumps. The only think that helps is to turn off one of the pumps.

[MatthewJ]

the skimmer is also not the cause of my microbubbles...it's definitely the pumps.

[Whipitup]

Originally Posted by MatthewJ

the skimmer is also not the cause of my microbubbles...it's definitely the pumps.

I spoke with Steveh this evening about this problem.

We tried tweaking the mechanical filter without success.

Now, I don't want to talk out of turn, or say anything until I get a chance to see if his idea works, but I will get back to you as soon as I try "it" out.

I have to say though I have never come across customer service like this before.



Roger

[mzreenie]

Whipitup, now don't hold back on me - I need to fix this soon!!! My corals are not happy since I turned off one of the pumps. But I have no bubbles with it turned off. My fish are stressed when the two pumps are working because the bubbles have gotten much worse than at initial setup. Are you going to try "it" out this evening? Or should I check back tomorrow?

[mzreenie]

Well, guess what? I decided to try something else first before taking out the pump and messing with it. I had previously cut my foam block in half even though I never heard it recommended for the 130D. So this morning I put back the cut off piece so that I have the original thickness of foam. And I lowered the skimmer basket all the way - yes, I lowered it. I know it is recommended to keep it up high with the teeth at the water level, but I lowered it all the way, and guess what - significantly fewer bubbles. The bubbles are now acceptable - very tiny bursts, but nothing like before. So for today I am leaving it like this. Next time I have to go into the chamber of death I may try adding the piece of tubing to the pump, but won't have time this weekend.

[nornicle]

Originally Posted by mzreenie

Well, guess what? I decided to try something else first before taking out the pump and messing with it. I had previously cut my foam block in half even though I never heard it recommended for the 130D. So this morning I put back the cut off piece so that I have the original thickness of foam. And I lowered the skimmer basket all the way - yes, I lowered it. I know it is recommended to keep it up high with the teeth at the water level, but I lowered it all the way, and guess what - significantly fewer bubbles. The bubbles are now acceptable - very tiny bursts, but nothing like before. So for today I am leaving it like this. Next time I have to go into the chamber of death I may try adding the piece of tubing to the pump, but won't have time this weekend.

actually its recommended you drop it all the way because of the microbubble problem, the bad thing is though you get bad surface skimming now

[mzreenie]

You're right Nornicle, I'm not getting any skimming action with the skimmer basket lowered. And the bubbles seem just as bad as before I lowered it now anyway. We added a piece of tubing to one of the intakes on one of the pumps so that it would draw in water at a different level, and it did not help the bubble situation. Nothing seems to help with these microbubbles!!!!!

[Whipitup]

Originally Posted by mzreenie

You're right Nornicle, I'm not getting any skimming action with the skimmer basket lowered. And the bubbles seem just as bad as before I lowered it now anyway. We added a piece of tubing to one of the intakes on one of the pumps so that it would draw in water at a different level, and it did not help the bubble situation. Nothing seems to help with these microbubbles!!!!!

I was wondering.......what level do you run the water at in the main display?

[turbiville]

Not only do I have microbubbles in my 130D, I have just as much particulate floating around the upper 1/3 of the tank. I have tried cutting the sponge, (and have since replaced it with an original sized one) I have added the micro filter I have tried the overflow at all different levels, I just can't get rid of the bubbles or the trash floating around in there.

Anyone experienced anything like this?

[Reefmack]

turbiville - on the floating particulates, I have a feeling it's sediment being blown off the top of the rocks by the pumps. Maybe try blasting them off with a turkey baster, while running a fine filter pad for a day or so to catch it all.

Microbubbles can be a tough one to eliminate totally.

[mzreenie]

I took my entire skimmer out of the tank today and cleaned it. Will this cause the skimmer to have to break in all over again? Still getting lots of bubbles, but I put in new carbon too and I know that can cause bubbles.

[Reefmack]

mzreenie - mine usually put out more bubbles after I pulled it and cleaned it all out. It shouldn't take as long as a new skimmer though. Give it a day or so. The air trapped in the new carbon is probably contributing some bubbles too.