Serioysly This Particle Crap is Annoying.....

[asonitez]

For the first time ever I feel as if my sump is not adequate enough....

In either case..

I am using a Oceanic model 2 sump... Solidly built and well constructed...All glass.. piece of CARP! yes.. not CRAP CARP....

I cannot seem to get the Micro Air Bubbles out of my Fish tank!!!!!!!!!!!


My Drain goes into a filter sock on the far end of the sump with barely nary a splash... the water is then processed by 2 reactors 1 Phosphate 1 Nitrate and then allowed to go through baffle #1 and under baffle #2 to my return pump (Mag 12). It should be noted that water is able to flow freely around the reactors that are standing in sump. I cannot seem to get rid of the micro bubbles.

I have removed my skimmer completely and stopped it. The return pump (mag 12) is completely submerged and is being regulated through a ball valve. but mostly it is left wide open. It also has a prefilter sponge around the intake to try and reduce the particles and airbubbles....if there ARE any.

I'm using a MTC skimmer which is great but it kicks up more bubbles than there are hobo's in NYC seriously... I think I might have to purchase some PVC and route it above the surfave of the water.

Steps I've taken to clear my water:

Removed my Skimmer
(Plan on putting it back in after mods to the output are done to raise the output above the surface of the water.

Placed a prefilter sponge around the intake of the return pump.

Added a Diatom filter which seems to just add more micro bubbles into the water. I can't seem to stop it from producing bubbles. I have now directed the OUTPUT from being in the tank to Straight down into the over flow compartment. My Theory is the water will be cleaned through the filter ad then shot down through the overflow boxs where it will be processed by phosphate, and nitrate remover, carbon and then returned to the tank.

I have also hooked up a Canister filter filled with sponge and floss media to try and regulate the bubbles. I don't know what to do anymore. I left it running at about 2:30 last night and this morning there were still some particles in the water column but the water was visibly cleaner.

 

[trido]

The only way to get rid of your micro bubbles is one of four things.

1. Choke back your mag 12 to restrict the flow.
2. Buy a mag 7 or 9 instead of using the 12.
3. Buy a bigger sump.
4. Add more baffles to your sump and hope that helps. Most likely not and you will end up choking back the mag 12 as in option 1.

Seriously, the whole idea of the sump is to provide a place for the water to be cleaned and heated that isnt in the display tank. NOT to provide circulation for the corals. The extra circulation is only a bonus.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not clear -- are you having a problem with particulate matter, or micro-bubbles? Both should be easily solved.

If we're talking particles, actual particulate matter, and the tank has definitely settled down and all, then a Magnum HOT filter fitted with the diatom(aceous earth) filter should do the trick. These things are fantastic for polishing the water. It is not meant to stay on the tank for more than a few hours.

If you can't seem to stop any pump from creating microbubbles, venturi and cavitation are the two things I would be investigating.

 

[asonitez]

well i've concluded that its definately micro bubbles that are picking up small particles in the waterand taking them to the top. My return pump is fine last night i went ahead and used plumbers tape on all of my seals and clamped down on the barbs to make a tight seal although it wasn't needed. I think I will have to drain my sump and install a baffle somewheres to deal with the Micro bubbles. I'm thinking 3 1/2" baffles before the return. Dunno where is the best place for it. Here is my current setup atm.

 

[Anonymous]

At the very least you need a tall baffle after your skimmer. Force the bubbles to the surface before the water moves on to your reactors. The skimmer should more or less be in it's own compartment.