I'm getting my but kicked by microbubbles!

[madmax7774]

Arrgh. I am so frustrated right now. If I had explosives, I would nuke this darned tank. I have a microbubble problem, that I can't for the life of me figure out. last month I upgraded to a 110G tall, and now I got microbubbles. Lots of really fine ones. I have completely sealed the return pipe with teflon tape at the joint where the flexible nozzle is, and I have PVC glued all the rest of the pipe joints all the way down the return to the bulkhead fitting in the bottom of the overflow. The return pump is completely submerged, and has a simple clear flexible hose from the pump to the bulkhead. There are no bubbles getting near the return pump, the water on that side of the sump is very clear and calm. The only thing left I can think of is that in the return plumbing, there is an anti-siphon hole drilled on the inside of one of the 90' bends. It is above the water line in the overflow. Could this be drawing in air somehow? The plumbing used in the overflow is the kit that comes with the tank from the AGA manufacturer. I would assume that they would know where to place an anti-siphon hole so as not to cause problems.

[dandy7200]

It is drawing a venturi through your siphon hole. Drill your siphon hole so it is the same OD as airline tubing, then stick a tube in that hole and submerge your tube inside your overflow. When the return pump is killed the overflow will drain and the anti siphon line will be sucking air.

[jason the filter freak]

John I tried to pm you a few times, can you please pm me back or give me a call 301 580 9441

 

I would imagine it's the siphon break hole

[Grav]

I would agree especally if your return pump is small. I find that anything less than a mag 9 CAN be a problem with the AGA megaflow, but I've also had a mag 7 work well. Jeff's (NAGA) fix should do the trick. If it doesn't you may have a pin hole someplace.

 

My Quite One blows bubbles now and then for a day or two for no reason (that I know of) and then if goes away.

[Guest Arlo]

Skimmer Brother. Sump design Brother!!!

Edited February 25, 2007 by Arlo

[Guest beatle]

It is drawing a venturi through your siphon hole. Drill your siphon hole so it is the same OD as airline tubing, then stick a tube in that hole and submerge your tube inside your overflow. When the return pump is killed the overflow will drain and the anti siphon line will be sucking air.

 

Now why didn't I think of that?? I'd wrestled with my return acting as siphon break by keeping the outlet just a touch below the surface, but Dandy's idea is a lot more elegant, and allows you to run the return plumbing however you want.