Trying to battle why I get micro bubbles in my main display tank only when the lights are on. The bubbles are mostly attaching to my frags on a frag rack thats at the top of my tank. During the lights off cycle there are no accumulation of bubbles. I do have a refugium with macro algae, live sand, clean up crew and a Eroreef Skimmer. The refugium and the tank are on alternating light cycles. The output of micro bubble from the skimmer has been reduced by a media bag with floss attached to the end of the gate valve mod. Nothing is pulling air into the tank from power heads. Is this something I should be concerned about producing a CO2. This is all new after I added new T5 lighting, new refugium and new skimmer. Like I said, it only happens when the lights are on approx 2 hrs. I find it very tough that lighting would create this issue.
Micro bubbles in main tank, what's the cause
- Thread starter Leroy
- Start date
Check all your plumbing to make sure there not leaking air into the pump which might be noticable by a small leak. also some pressure rated pumps need back pressure. if your plumbing is all good try turning down the pump a bit to create some back pressure. hope that helps
Killerdrgn
Advanced Reefer
- Location
- Park Ridge, NJ
you may have small patches of cyano in the main tank. growing directly on the corals.
Psycho graphic
Trouble Maker!
- Location
- Somewhere on the East Coast
If it only happens during the lighting period, my guess would be from algea of some sort.
2 clues bring this conclusion,
1- new lights= more light for the algea to grow.
2- If it was trapped air or an airleak somewhere it would not only happen during your photoperiod but all the time.
2 clues bring this conclusion,
1- new lights= more light for the algea to grow.
2- If it was trapped air or an airleak somewhere it would not only happen during your photoperiod but all the time.
- Location
- Forest Hills
daytime's ph may b higher, n o2 level higher which creates bubbles easier.
Usually microbubbles are caused by bad plumbing, bad sump design or just too much of a return pump (which would also indicate bad plumbing, bad sump design or poor planning)
If you do not see microbubbles in the water column and they are only accumulating on the coral... you have low flow and high nutrient issues. Your coral are unable to slough off their own waste. Rethink husbandry techniques.
If you do not see microbubbles in the water column and they are only accumulating on the coral... you have low flow and high nutrient issues. Your coral are unable to slough off their own waste. Rethink husbandry techniques.
Please tell me that you are not building sumps with proven low quality equipment:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum...-acrylic-refugium-plenum-lr-rubble-tower.html
and using the highly dated information (every thread you have started on this site) on "CUSTOMERS" tanks and then come in here an ask a question like you are on this thread.
Willing to "bring on some facts", if you would like.
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I haven't built any sumps for anyone with a low quality acrylic. Any acrylic of a good quality I'd order thru a buddy that I worked with and owns his own glass repair business. He orders and sell to me at his wholesale price. Unfortunately the time I needed the acrylic he was out of work from a knee injury playing softball that he kept putting off. Building another sump gets easier after the 2nd one past the learning stage.
The acrylic frame was for a reef ready tank that the new owner was concerned about any small fish or snails getting over and wanted a way to prevent any problems. I suggested gutter guard or eggcrate. He wanted an inexpensive frame, nothing fancy. I cut some strips, put it together and they were very happy with the results.
So there may be a possibility of a not enough water flow. I recently picked up 2 Maxi Jet 900's and a Sure Flow mod but only one Sure Flow was available. When I get the other I'll install both. One thing I did notice is cyano beginning to form in the lower left corner of the tank that I'll blow away with a turkey baster, suck up the cyano and making an effort to get rid of it. I may have to use Slime Remover which I'm not wild over the idea. Also look into a high nutrients that may be an issue. The bubbles are only on my frags/frag plugs.
BTW loismustdie, Chris, what's your problem? Do you seem to have a problem with me? I post on here some DIY to the benefit other hobbyists. I linked and shown a few projects I've worked on and you're saying I'm using highly dated information on every thread started on this site. Being here in Massachusetts, yes there are other hobbyists in the area that request I build a few projects or ask for my help where they aren't capable to do it themselves. I decided to register here hoping it was a better forum compared to others that tend to be a "click" amongst members. If you're not part of the circle then you're not in so forget about getting any help. I don't know everything about the hobby but I do enjoy working with my hands so if I can save some money in the hobby. So if I have a question about the care of my tank or issues where I've only started this reef hobby in March of 07. I get help from others and I appreciate any comments they post. Get off my back and stop giving me your BULL SH*T on a past posts you bring up and stay on the subject of my issue with micro bubbles. Not looking for the facts or a pissing contest. I'll take into consideration your suggestion on the previous post as well as what others have suggested. I haven't had many issues with my tank and don't expect it to be perfect but I sure do try like hell to keep it going the best I can. It's definitely a challenge and a large learning curve so I'm looking for some help when I ask figuring it's happened to other experienced reefers but also knowing no 2 tanks are alike. I made some major changes in my tank all at once and something changed with it. I'll find my micro bubble issue maybe not today or tomorrow but eventually and I'll not give up.
The acrylic frame was for a reef ready tank that the new owner was concerned about any small fish or snails getting over and wanted a way to prevent any problems. I suggested gutter guard or eggcrate. He wanted an inexpensive frame, nothing fancy. I cut some strips, put it together and they were very happy with the results.
So there may be a possibility of a not enough water flow. I recently picked up 2 Maxi Jet 900's and a Sure Flow mod but only one Sure Flow was available. When I get the other I'll install both. One thing I did notice is cyano beginning to form in the lower left corner of the tank that I'll blow away with a turkey baster, suck up the cyano and making an effort to get rid of it. I may have to use Slime Remover which I'm not wild over the idea. Also look into a high nutrients that may be an issue. The bubbles are only on my frags/frag plugs.
BTW loismustdie, Chris, what's your problem? Do you seem to have a problem with me? I post on here some DIY to the benefit other hobbyists. I linked and shown a few projects I've worked on and you're saying I'm using highly dated information on every thread started on this site. Being here in Massachusetts, yes there are other hobbyists in the area that request I build a few projects or ask for my help where they aren't capable to do it themselves. I decided to register here hoping it was a better forum compared to others that tend to be a "click" amongst members. If you're not part of the circle then you're not in so forget about getting any help. I don't know everything about the hobby but I do enjoy working with my hands so if I can save some money in the hobby. So if I have a question about the care of my tank or issues where I've only started this reef hobby in March of 07. I get help from others and I appreciate any comments they post. Get off my back and stop giving me your BULL SH*T on a past posts you bring up and stay on the subject of my issue with micro bubbles. Not looking for the facts or a pissing contest. I'll take into consideration your suggestion on the previous post as well as what others have suggested. I haven't had many issues with my tank and don't expect it to be perfect but I sure do try like hell to keep it going the best I can. It's definitely a challenge and a large learning curve so I'm looking for some help when I ask figuring it's happened to other experienced reefers but also knowing no 2 tanks are alike. I made some major changes in my tank all at once and something changed with it. I'll find my micro bubble issue maybe not today or tomorrow but eventually and I'll not give up.
It is generally unliked by the membership here when someone with little experience is posting new threads all over the place. It's better to post questions and learn more before trying to post advice/DIY projects and talk about things you do for customers.
I do not have a problem with you, but if nothing else, I back up most if not all of what I say on this board and I don't appreciate it when a newbie posts "bring on the facts", and "maybe with your assistance", acting like you have a clue.
I've been doing this for around 17 years and I'm still happy to say that I learn more and more all the time. You said that there is a learning curve and I'm just suggesting you follow it, rather than posting like you already know it all. There is no time line to adhere to as far as when you can post advice, but it is generally recommended that you do a little more than read the GARF website.
If you took the time to go through the site, you would see that we had a few discussions on enkamat meshwheels back in 2006. A few months after it all started up on RC. You would have also found that HD Acrylic is not really the best choice for aquariums. You would have found that you could have gotten a quality wavemaker in the FS/FT forum for less time and money than you spent on yours. You would have found that maxi mods really shouldn't be put on wavemakers. This is why your threads aren't generating interest. It's old news/improper procedures and possibly misleading to the new members who read them. A lot of care is put forward on this site by mods, members and vendors to put out the best possible information to avoid wasting money, catastrophes, and losses of livestock.
Anything further you want to discuss with me on this topic can be brought to PM.
Now, back to microbubbles. You have not answered if the bubbles are in the water column or if they are only appearing on the coral, sand and rock.
I think it is a combination of things, but lets focus on flow. You say you have maxi mods on a wavemaker. Problem here is when maxi mods are on a wavemaker, sometimes they do not restart. Sometimes when they do restart, the propeller spins the wrong way, giving you no flow. I would plug them in and ensure they are producing flow and do away with the wavemaker.
Next is your return pump. What kind of pump is it? Is it possible that it is too much for the sump to handle? Have you checked the skimmer standpipe? Also, your last baffle is very high. When the water goes over the last baffle, is the water splashing down into the last chamber creating bubbles that the return pump draws in?
Don't use a slime remover as that only treats the symptom, not the problem.
What is your fish load?
I do not have a problem with you, but if nothing else, I back up most if not all of what I say on this board and I don't appreciate it when a newbie posts "bring on the facts", and "maybe with your assistance", acting like you have a clue.
I've been doing this for around 17 years and I'm still happy to say that I learn more and more all the time. You said that there is a learning curve and I'm just suggesting you follow it, rather than posting like you already know it all. There is no time line to adhere to as far as when you can post advice, but it is generally recommended that you do a little more than read the GARF website.
If you took the time to go through the site, you would see that we had a few discussions on enkamat meshwheels back in 2006. A few months after it all started up on RC. You would have also found that HD Acrylic is not really the best choice for aquariums. You would have found that you could have gotten a quality wavemaker in the FS/FT forum for less time and money than you spent on yours. You would have found that maxi mods really shouldn't be put on wavemakers. This is why your threads aren't generating interest. It's old news/improper procedures and possibly misleading to the new members who read them. A lot of care is put forward on this site by mods, members and vendors to put out the best possible information to avoid wasting money, catastrophes, and losses of livestock.
Anything further you want to discuss with me on this topic can be brought to PM.
Now, back to microbubbles. You have not answered if the bubbles are in the water column or if they are only appearing on the coral, sand and rock.
I think it is a combination of things, but lets focus on flow. You say you have maxi mods on a wavemaker. Problem here is when maxi mods are on a wavemaker, sometimes they do not restart. Sometimes when they do restart, the propeller spins the wrong way, giving you no flow. I would plug them in and ensure they are producing flow and do away with the wavemaker.
Next is your return pump. What kind of pump is it? Is it possible that it is too much for the sump to handle? Have you checked the skimmer standpipe? Also, your last baffle is very high. When the water goes over the last baffle, is the water splashing down into the last chamber creating bubbles that the return pump draws in?
Don't use a slime remover as that only treats the symptom, not the problem.
What is your fish load?
Ok with that explained as to where the general forum feels the way that you’ve posted I’ll refrain from putting up any DIY posts or any projects that were conducted for people that have requested my assistance. I do not intend to mislead anyone in the wrong direction. I do understand how much is put in the forum by moderators, members and vendors and the last thing I’d want to do to cause any means of wasting money, catastrophes, and losses of livestock. I can accept constructive criticism so if what I’ve done is old news then I wasted time. I’ll tend to get defensive and not one to just take it when it’s not what it said but how it is said. I’m more of responding in a diplomatic presentation when asked or presenting an issue. Always willing to learn from veteran experiences being new provided it’s presented in a proper manner no matter what the situation is from a job to any hobby.
The enkamat meshwheels was what I didn’t realize had already been done keeping the needles on the wheel. I’ve seen posts on DIY and a lot of details are left out in which I tend to fill in a lot of the missing information. Not able to afford a wavemaker, at this time, so the idea of modifying a timer was the affordable alternative. Maxi Jets not being the powerhead for a wavemaker, I’ll take that into consideration, also was told the prop spins in reverse unless the stop is in place to prevent it.
Getting to my microbubbles, there’s no bubbles going into the tank from the output pump in the refugium, although the pump, a Mag 5 is not a high volume because I wanted a low flow thru the refugium. The only place the bubbles are forming is on the frags that are on 2 frag rack about 6” from the top of the tanks water level. I’m not using the Maxi Jets at this moment but feel it would benefit with more water circulation but no too much to blow unmounted corals. The last baffle is not splashing, the water is right up ther, it’s a gentle low flow not creating any bubbles. I’ve placed a bag of carbon as well as a bag nitrate media over the pumps intake. Is that a good thing?
I don’t want to use a slime remover knowing that what ever caused it it will appear again. It’s only a band aid to the symptom so I’ll work on increasing water flow. My fish load is 2 Saddle Back Clowns, 2 small Anthias, 1 Pygmy Angle, 1 Bi Color Dotty Back (bully), 1 Marine Betta , 1 Cardinal, 1 Coral Banded Shrimp, Serpent Star and numerous variety of snails and crabs.
The enkamat meshwheels was what I didn’t realize had already been done keeping the needles on the wheel. I’ve seen posts on DIY and a lot of details are left out in which I tend to fill in a lot of the missing information. Not able to afford a wavemaker, at this time, so the idea of modifying a timer was the affordable alternative. Maxi Jets not being the powerhead for a wavemaker, I’ll take that into consideration, also was told the prop spins in reverse unless the stop is in place to prevent it.
Getting to my microbubbles, there’s no bubbles going into the tank from the output pump in the refugium, although the pump, a Mag 5 is not a high volume because I wanted a low flow thru the refugium. The only place the bubbles are forming is on the frags that are on 2 frag rack about 6” from the top of the tanks water level. I’m not using the Maxi Jets at this moment but feel it would benefit with more water circulation but no too much to blow unmounted corals. The last baffle is not splashing, the water is right up ther, it’s a gentle low flow not creating any bubbles. I’ve placed a bag of carbon as well as a bag nitrate media over the pumps intake. Is that a good thing?
I don’t want to use a slime remover knowing that what ever caused it it will appear again. It’s only a band aid to the symptom so I’ll work on increasing water flow. My fish load is 2 Saddle Back Clowns, 2 small Anthias, 1 Pygmy Angle, 1 Bi Color Dotty Back (bully), 1 Marine Betta , 1 Cardinal, 1 Coral Banded Shrimp, Serpent Star and numerous variety of snails and crabs.
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