How do you get rid of bubbles with a HOB filter?

[rotarygeek]

I have asked this question a couple times before but no one has answered me. Everybody keeps telling me bubbles are bad, but not how to fix it. I have a penguin biowheel HOB filter in my 30 gallon and it makes a stream of bubbles about 5 inches deep. How do i get rid of the bubbles? i have my powerhead currently pointing at the bubbles to push them back up, but i wantt to move that down to the Live rock so that the LR can do its job.

 

[socal57che]

Is the water level in your tank high enough so the water does not fall through the air before hitting the water's surface?

 

[lexluethar]

Ya, i have a penguin too and don't have this problem. Your water level needs to be high enough so that the water doesn't fall when it comes out of the chamber. I have the water level to where the cover over the biowheel is covered, so that the space between that cover and the water meet. Does that make sense?

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by LexLuethar
http:///forum/post/2489587
Ya, i have a penguin too and don't have this problem. Your water level needs to be high enough so that the water doesn't fall when it comes out of the chamber. I have the water level to where the cover over the biowheel is covered, so that the space between that cover and the water meet. Does that make sense?
I'm baffled. Can you post a pic of the area you're talking about. I can't imagine this occuring without overflowing the tank.
OK I think I see, now. The splash shield extends down below the wheel on the penguin, doesn't it? I pictured the emperor in my head.

 

[lexluethar]

You are correct. So in having the water level that high, you still have plenty of room before the tank starts overflowing. And you don't have to have it up that high, just high enough so that there isn't as much 'turbulance' and 'drop' between the wheel and the water level. I believe it still creates bubbles, but nothing noticable unless you REALLY look for them.

 

[rotarygeek]

Thanks a lot.
I did a water change yesterday and filled it all the way up to the edge and the bubbles went away. Should i use the powerhead to move the water around the LR now? I was using it to push the bubbles from the filter back up to the surface, but now i don't have that problem.

 

[mcbdz]

Originally Posted by RotaryGeek
http:///forum/post/2491128
Thanks a lot.
I did a water change yesterday and filled it all the way up to the edge and the bubbles went away. Should i use the powerhead to move the water around the LR now? I was using it to push the bubbles from the filter back up to the surface, but now i don't have that problem.
Yes, also make sure your water turn over per hour is 15-20x your gallons. You'll need a couple of ph. At least one on each end. Make sure there are no dead spots.

 

[lexluethar]

And now that you don't have water agitation, point another power head at the surface of the water.