Micro Bubble Question

[Anonymous]

Currently, my skimmer resides in my sump. Right now, I have a sponge at the end of the flow from the skimmer, that prevents micro bubbles from entering the return for the sump. I'd like to remove the sponge, because of its nitrate-factory capabilities. Aside from looks, are there any advantages or disadvantages from allowing the small bubbles to travel back into the main display tank?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
~wings~

 

[Johnsteph10]

other than aesthetics...it depends on what you have in the tank! A number of sps/lps and even some softies will get irritated by a constant bombardment of bubbles...

personally, I wouldn't mind sitting in a warm vat of water with bubbles all around all the time...

john

 

[hillbilly]

If you have ever seen pictures of a coral reef being hit by wave action, there are billions of bubbles hitting the corals, and they live there just fine. I don't think the bubble issue is as big a deal as some people make it. Just looks bad in your tank is all.

 

[tangir1]

Ditto to both replies.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. Do you think this helps by keeping the water more oxygenated, or doesn't it matter?
~wings~

 

[tangir1]

O2 level has no effect on the microbubble. However, if you use freshwater and don't add any salt to your tank, the bubbles will be much fewer and bigger due to the increase in surface tension. But then, it won't be a reef tank anymore.

See if you can install some sort of baffle or wyn system to slow down the flow velocity. This allows the bubble to dissipate before suck into the pump, and dump into the display tank. Take a look at partition/baffle system in skimmer's internal or commerical sump.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi CK,
Will do. I think instead of the sponge, I'll just redirect to a different part of the sump to give the bubbles a chance to go North.
Thanks all,
~wings~

 

[tangir1]

North? Bubble is not magnetically charged is it :?

 

[Anonymous]

na... kinda meant UP., as in up North!
~wings~

 

[tangir1]

I know. Just teasing you.

 

[Anonymous]

Hey, just as an fyi, I found this link:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-01/eb/index.htm

Check out myth 14, if you're interested. 8)

Kinda answers my question.
~wings~