RSM 130d - PUMPS

[Salty Water]

I have just set-up the tank: the water is in, the substrate is in and the live rock is in. I have just turned the pumps on for the first time (now that the water level has risen to the correct level) but they seem to be way too powerful with loads and loads of tiny bubbles shooting out of them. They are so powerful they could probably power a speedboat across "the pond" in record time!! Any thoughts?

Also, should I now leave everything running: the pumps, the heater, the skimmer, and the lighting or leave the skimmer off? Any help appreciated.

[reefmaster3024]

Salty Water I would leave pumps on 24-7. You should run your lights to start 3 or 4 hours a day working up to a full photo period during your tanks cycle to help move things along. also turn your heater to about 78. I would turn the skimmer on after about a week once there is something to start skimming, and also to help break it in (skimmer). There are going to be alot of micro bubbles during your skimmers break in period thats normal. After your tank cycles there is a sticky up top that has a bunch of things to help get rid of the micro bubbles if you still have them.

[nanoreefing4fun]

Run your water level up, near the top line in the back left water level window & see if it does not help with the micro-bubbles... raise your surface skimmer cup up to about 1/4" from it's top position.

[russbooger]

Mine was like a blizzard for the first two weeks, drove me nuts. Now there is something for the skimmer to get its teeth into its not too bad. Could be your new carbon in the bag thats releasing bubbles as well. Saying that when I rinse off my filter media and carbon each week it goes back to a blizzard for a day!

[Salty Water]

Thanks for the replies guys. I found out what the problem was. Basically, I hadn't put enough water in the tank (as I miscalculated how much salt water to buy from the LFS) - the intention was to buy more the next day. This meant that the water level was a millimetre or so below the bottom of the pumps when both were turned-on, so there was a load of air being sucked-up and through the pumps expelling loads of air bubbles. I switched one off and the problem was resolved. I'll top-up the SW tomorrow and turn both pumps back on.

[nanoreefing4fun]

my pumps body housings are about 3/4 under water... if that helps... I am sure that is the key

[Dweezil]

Keep us updated on progress Salty.

[Reefmack]

Agree with Tammy - keep us posted!