Sand Everywhere...Updated & Now Microbubbles Too!

[Marcosreef]

Greetings,

The return (loc-line) on my 75's corner overflow has the sand at the far end of the tank everywhere.

I have the pump turned way down (1/2 flow) to prevent this (Mag 12). Is there anything I could do to prevent this? Perhaps something I could put on the end of the return nozzle?

Thanks, Marco

 

[wade1]

They do make attachments that will help disperse the flow a bit, the best option, which is likely not an option at all in your case, is to open the return end of the pump up as far as plubmgin goes... for example, if its 3/4" plumbing, increase it to 1 1/4 plumbing... that causes less laminar/directed flow without decreasing volume moved. Failing that, you can split the outflow (also available for locline) so that it spreads it in more directions... I know marine depot sells the attachments/parts.

Wade

 

[King Jason]

You can't just play with the angle of the return to direct the water source away from the sand?

 

[Marcosreef]

Failing that, you can split the outflow (also available for locline) so that it spreads it in more directions... I know marine depot sells the attachments/parts.

Wade

I'll check it out, thanks.

You can't just play with the angle of the return to direct the water source away from the sand?

Once the flow hits the glass on the other end, it goes everywhere, up and down, left and right. The sand at that end goes from 4" to about 1" in the course of the day.

Marco

 

[King Jason]

Is this a new tank?

 

[Marcosreef]

Yes, it's about 6 weeks old. Still going through the algae cycle I might add.

I'm stumped. Since I have the pump turned down, the area near the overflow gets very little water movement. The detritus accumulates there, fueling the algae even more :x

Marco

 

[King Jason]

That makes sense...Not enough bacteria build up in the sand yet to hold it down.

 

[wade1]

Here is a snippet from Marine Depot's website:

270850 3/4" ID Flexible Ball-Socket Joint Tubing - 6" in length. $5.75
270851 3/4" Round Nozzle $1.90
270852 3/4" x 3" Flare Nozzle $5.50
270855 3/4" Y Fitting $5.50

Any of those can be used on standard locline to bend the output, split it, bend and split it, spread it out, etc...

Here is the URL: http://www.marinedepot.com/a_ft_2.asp?CartId=#bs

 

[Marcosreef]

Hello,

I picked up the Y Fitting and another round nozzle and now I'm getting an excessive amount of microbubbles. Two small loc-line links are the only ones not submerged so this may be where the air leaks in.

Any suggestions on how to remeedy this? One problem down, many to go.

Marco

 

[Will C1]

silicone youre joints and no air should be in the system.

 

[King Jason]

Hello,

I picked up the Y Fitting and another round nozzle and now I'm getting an excessive amount of microbubbles. Two small loc-line links are the only ones not submerged so this may be where the air leaks in.

Any suggestions on how to remeedy this? One problem down, many to go.

Marco

I don't think I understand where the air is getting in? Is it getting in through the loc-line fittings?

 

[Marcosreef]

Jason,

Seems to be getting in between the sections (links). Kind of wacky, before I replaced it with the Y and the extra nozzle, no bubbles. Now the whole tank is filled.

Good news though, the sand stays put and the pump is running open wide.

Go Figure!

Marco

 

[King Jason]

So then is the Y above the water line? If so, can you move it below the water line? If no then I think silicon is a good idea (just make sure you won't want to move it after the silicon is dry).

Silcon is kind of like the computer guys stratagie...a one fix solution to most problems...for us computer guys it's called "Try rebooting"...for our hobby it's "Just silicon it" :wink: :wink:

 

[Marcosreef]

Nozzles and Y is below water line. Only the MPT section coming out of the overflow box and the first 3 links is out. I'll try the silicone. Let's see what happens.

Thanks, Marco

 

[Mogo]

Marco.
Small bubbles in your tank could be because your pump is cavitating since you split your return flow. A water pressure difference between pump inlet and pump outlet. There was a great thread on this a couple weeks ago. Silicone may not fix your problem. It didn't fix mine.

 

[Marcosreef]

Wow,

Never heard of this. Perhaps the Mag 12 is too strong. Would a smaller pump alleviate this? A Mag 9.5? I will look for the thread. Thanks.

Marco

 

[Mogo]

It's true. I have likely a similar problem. I wish I downloaded that thread. In my case, after an afternoon of rechecking and sealing of connections- not solved. I just turn down my return valves so the pump can catch up to the point of no bubbles. Still gives me good circulation but with reduced options. Be sure that bubbles not flowing through from sump to pump intake or any of that stuff. Don't know if a bigger pump will solve this. Maybe 2 smaller diameter return lines?

 

[Marcosreef]

http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t ... cavitating

I think I found the thread.

Marco