why am i getting air bubbles

[iidylii]

so I went ahead and attached a macro algae reactor thing like I saw in one of the other posts the other day...works great and great a pretty cool idea...but now my return lines are pumping all kinds of bubbles into the tank...so then I went and isolated the reactor so the system was exactly as it was before when I was having no problems and im still getting bubbles...obviously there is air getting in or still trapped in the lines...should this take more then 2 days to clear up? to my knowledge I don't see any leaks where air might be getting in and like I said I isolated it so its back to the way it was and still getting bubbles a day later heres what im talking about

 

[iidylii]

 

[2quills]

Got any pics of your plumbing?

I don't recall if you're running a sump or canister filter. Air bubbles are most likely a leak in one of the lines.

 

[iidylii]

yeah I am running a sump...but yeah your right theres gotta be a leak and im pretty sure I know where it is...one of my fittings is a little loose I think...im guessing the only thing this might do is stress the fish out a little until I can get to the problem...im a little busy and can't give my plumbing any attention at the moment

 

[2quills]

A loose fitting will definitely do it. If you have some electrical tape or something similar handy you can wrap it to seal it until you have time to make repairs.

Fish should be fine.

 

[jay0705]

Duct tape lol

 

[lmforbis]

I've had that happen in my old tank it was sporadic and I never found the source. Nothing in the new tank, at least not yet.

 

[2quills]

It doesnt take much. A tiny pinhole leak in a glue joint or hose connection can cause it. The force of the water flow creates a vacuum and pulls air into the line.

Just like how the venturi on a skimmer or powerhead works.

 

[iidylii]

A loose fitting will definitely do it. If you have some electrical tape or something similar handy you can wrap it to seal it until you have time to make repairs.

Fish should be fine.

Yeah if I twist the fitting a little this way or that it sporadically comes and goes...but yes electrical tape will be my quick fix thanks