Micro Bubbles!!!!

Mar 17, 2016

David wrote

I have a 150SSS that I am trying to get dialed in. My biggest issue is the huge number of micro bubbles that are expelled from the output tube. It clouds my sump with bubbles and eventually the display tank. I have multiple barriers in place to help control them before they get to the return pump. Should that many bubbles be expelled from this thing?

12 Answers

Mar 17, 2016

Carlos agent wrote

How old is the skimmer? The skimmer will produce micro bubbles during the break-in period of 3 weeks. During that time, the micro bubbles will slowly go away until there are none. Running fresh carbon during this time also helps the break in period move along.

Mar 17, 2016

David wrote

Thank you for the reply. The set up is new, so I hope it works itself out. I am curious about water level though. The directions recommend about 8- 8.5 in the sump for the skimmer. I am at a bit over 7". Can this work? If I go much higher it puts me really close to an overflow with a power outage! Any thoughts?

Thank you!

Mar 17, 2016

Carlos agent wrote

The water depth is a recommended starting point and the sweet spot for the skimmer pump. Try it at 7" but if you are not able to collect consistently, you may have to lower the skimmer to increase the water depth to the recommended range.

Mar 21, 2016

David wrote

Thanks for all of your help. I raised the water level to 8". Now I cannot keep the thing from overflowing into the collection cup. I have the valve all the way open to allow as much water as possible to escape the unit. Should I lower the sump level back down?

Thanks!

Mar 21, 2016

Jeremy Rykiel agent wrote

If you have the classic 150sss, pull the wedge pipe out of the output tee. If it still overflows at 8in of water depth the issue of the microbubble and now the excessive overflow is most likely due to something in the water itself adhering to the bubbles produced by the skimmer causing excessive foam. There are many things that can cause this but the remedy is usually the same. If the system is new usually fresh filter socks, bacterial additives or reef putty are common culprits. Run a good amount of fresh activated carbon and change out weekly till the problem goes away. Usually within a week or two. I would suggest the skimmer to run in about 7.5-8" from my testing.

Mar 23, 2016

David wrote

Thank you for the prompt response. I will give your suggestions a try and keep you posted. This tank was recently set up with my students in a fourth grade classroom. We started working on this at the beginning of the school year. We worked hard to raise funds and collection donations to make this possible. We are fortunate to have manygreat companies support us. We are still in need of a good heater/temperature controller and especially an auto top off system. Is there any chance Coralvue has a program to offer any support to a non profit public school classroom reef tank project?

Thank you,
David

Mar 25, 2016

Jeremy Rykiel agent wrote

We are currently out of top off units but I have the warehouse looking to see if we have a temperature controller we can donate.

Mar 28, 2016

David wrote

Thank you so much for your reply and support. My students and I appreciate anything you can do to help out with our tank. Please keep me posted if you come up with something. I will be sure to send some pictures and recognize Coralvue as a sponsor. If possible, I would like put a sticker on our tank. Do you have something you could send?

Please let me know if you would like me to email you any further information. I can also provide you with my school email and shipping address.

Thank you,
David

Mar 29, 2016

Jeremy Rykiel agent wrote

I do have a temp controller for a heater if it would be of use. It would still require a heating element to operate. Please provide me with shipping information and we would be happy to send it out to your class.

Mar 29, 2016

David wrote

Thank you so much! That will be a real asset to our system. We are having trouble with the reliability of our heater. It has been really inconsistent with swings in temperature. I have included the school address below. Please include some stickers for our tank if possible. Thank you for your support!

BTW......The skimmer seems to be calming down a little bit with the micro bubbles!

Thank you,
David

Oxbow Elementary
David Dobrin 4th grade
100 Oxbow Lake Rd.
White Lake, MI 48386

Mar 30, 2016

Danielle P. agent wrote

I will email you with tracking when your items ship.

thanks,
Danielle

Mar 30, 2016

Danielle P. agent wrote

usps
9405510200881971089937