Getting rid of particles

[jcolon2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9wTS1W0SOU

Hi. I have included a youtube link above as evidence of the problem I am having with my tank. My tank is never clear. The skimmer has tons of microbubbles and the return from my overflow is causing tons of particles in the tank, not sure if they are what you call microbubbles as well. I took the sponge out of my sump; perhaps, that is why I have all these particles. I don't know. I'd greatly appreciate any advice! Thanks

 

[anthony27]

Your best bet if to use a filter sock I have one if you need it

Also if you can run the carbon and phosband in a reactor they are cheep and I kow tido has them.

 

[michael Jack]

looks like mostly fine bubbles being sucked up by return pump you need to put a peice of foam between the pump and where the water is retuning to sump

 

[jcolon2]

Thank you both of you. Anthony, it's ok. A filter sock isn't too hard to get. But I deffinitely want to come over one of these days and see your tank. I haven't talked to you in a while (I jsut took my LSAT, and tomorrow my final exams begins : / ) Michael, thank you. I took out the giant sponge that was where the water returns to the sump, I will deffinitely go and purchase another one in addition to the filter sock.

 

[jcolon2]

Anthony,

I intend to get reactors. I am just trying to take it one step at a time. I have been running the carbon since my tank crashed (not that exact bag). I am excited to finally have time to dedicate to my tank again. I want to get it looking nice finally!

 

[Vic8361]

it looks like you have sand in your sump, if you do then thats the small particles. It looks like the drips comming down is stiring up the sand and creating bubbles at the same time and your return pump is sucking it up. I would get rid of the sand or put it in a small container where you can put your mangroves into.
A filter sock will definitly help with the bubbles.
I also would put the intake part of your return pump in the far end corner of your sump.
hope this helps a bit.
Vic

 

[Kendall]

You might think about changing your overflow set up. There is a lot of water turbulance in the overfolw, and as it enters the sump, creating the bubbles. You need to control the water flow from the tank to the sump. Drill another hole in the overflow and add a bulkead. Pipe both overflow bulkheads into the sump so they are just above the water level in the sump. Add a valve to 1 of the drain pipes. You will have to shorten that pipe so the bottom of the valve is even with the bottom of the other pipe. The pipe with the valve is your main drain. The second pipe is a back up in case the main drain clogs. Now to set the water level in the overflow. The back up drain should have a piece of pipe installed a few inches higher than the main drain. Turn the pump on. Once the system is running normaly, start to close the valve on the main drain pipe in the sump. Close it until the water level in the overflow rises so it is higher than the main bulkhead, but lower than the back up bulkhead. The back up drain does not get water under normal operation. It is only a back up in case the main drain gets clogged. Now you have stopped the water from "free falling" into the sump and will prevent the micro bubbles. It will also make your overflow a lot more quiet.

Hope I explained it right!!

 

[jcolon2]

Vic,

It was a stupid of movie to put the sand in the sump. For some reason I was under the false impression it would remain staionary. You're saying that putting the sand in a piece of tupperwear and then putting that in the sump would work?

As for the overflow, I have a ball valve right underneath it to control the amount of water that enters the sump. Unfortunately, I forgot to place a ball valve in the return line. I also have a spa hose conneted to the overflow to create more a more flowing motion for the water. The initial plumbing took me forever to do. Will I crack the overflow if I drill into it?

 

[Vic8361]

Vic,

It was a stupid of movie to put the sand in the sump. For some reason I was under the false impression it would remain staionary. You're saying that putting the sand in a piece of tupperwear and then putting that in the sump would work?

yes that should work just fine.
Also rasing the water level in youir sump should help.

 

[Kendall]

The ball valve needs to be close to the sump. You can stick with 1 drain with the valve at the sump but you risk flooding if it gets clogged. I don't know what the overflow is made of so I can't say if it will break or not. Definately a pita to plumb but well worth it.

As mentioned, raising the water level in the sump will help. Also getting the drain line closer to the water level will reduce bubbles.

 

[jcolon2]

Ok, so Anthony27 is giving me a filter sock for my tank. But, I went ahead and started fixing up my tank today (I was in a good mood after acing my final exam : ) ) Anyway, I emptied the entire sump (which overflowed several times). I took out all the sand and put it in a tuperwear with my mangroves. I moved the quietone 300o pump to the corner of the sump. Where the pipe from the overflow drains into the sump, I put two filter pads made of a blue material that I cut to size. I put a sponge inside the return of the skimmer. It already appears as if the water is clearing; I can't see particles everywhere.

 

[ryangrieder]

yes, the filter sock will fix this problem... as long as after the sock there is no gap between the sock and water level in the sump. if you get the small splash effect, its still going to start bubbles. you can also try a sponge before the return pump. but the sock SHOULD help...

 

[bigdog1428]

i have particles in my water also ,,,but its not microbubbles,,its finer then that

 

[jcolon2]

I think my particles may have been sand. I just ordered a replacement sponge for my sump to decrease microbubbles, and I'm keepin' my fingers crossed that the filter sock will work like everyone has suggested. I'm also running carbon inbetween the two layers of filter pad I placed in the sump.

 

[jerl77]

watch the filter socks if they clogg your going to have a mess
and change them offin of they are a nitrate factory

 

[jcolon2]

Will do, thanks!

 

[anthony27]

Jer I made sure that sock is cleaned out good. Jc come by when you can to pick up

Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[jcolon2]

Anthony, I can probably pick the sock up on Friday. Does that work?

 

[Tarazed]

From the video it looks like micro air bubbles. You may to pulling in small amounts of air or it may be turbulence created by returning too much water from the sump at too high a pressure. If you turn down the return pump does it decrease?

 

[jcolon2]

I am unable to control the flow from the return pump : / I forgot to add a ball valve there and only have a ball valve on my overflow area.