Foam in Sump Filter

[dobber1111]

I have a 90 gallon reef aquarium with a Megaflow model 3 sump filter. I have what I think is an excessive amount of bubbles/foam where the water enters the sump. It will actually begin to build up and it will leak out of the sump. Has anyone ever experienced this problem? What can I do to fix this?

 

[beth]

What are your water readings? Is the foam the dirty type that you see in skimmers? do you have a skimmer?

 

[dobber1111]

I don't think it is the dirty type. I do not have a protein skimmer. I am wondering if my pump is too strong. The water enters the sump pretty aggressively and the water is churning like a waterfall. I will attempt to take a picture and attach.

 

[dobber1111]

Water readings are: Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 10ppm

 

[dobber1111]

Here are two pictures of what I am talking about.

 

[beth]

Ok, basically your sump has turned into your skimmer without the collection cup. This is a sure signal that you have a good deal of undesirable nutrients in the water. Best bet is to add a good skimmer, which is usually the main reason for having a sump anyway.

 

[triga22]

Thats pretty neat. I would scoop out that foam, it will take out the dissolved detritus and such.

 

[beth]

Anybody ever see this kind of mess in a hot tub? Now you kow what it is. (Don't go in the tub) lol
If there was a way to collect the foam, you'd have one big skimmer going there.

 

[veni vidi vici]

Put a filter sock on that thing ,that should help to stop making bubbles.

 

[salt210]

filter pad could be oversaturated as well. cleaning it might help

 

[jimbo753]

After seeing your pictures I was wondering, I have the same sump and was wondering what you replaced your bio-balls with?

 

[dobber1111]

I replaced it with live rock. I have been told by a few aquarium shops around my house that live rock is better than the bio balls.

 

[dobber1111]

Salt210:
I did clean the filter pad and it helped greatly! Thank You.

 

[salt210]

your welcome. mine did the same thing