Microbubbles - HELP

[dennis210]

Okay I just built a 65 gal frg tank with a sump. Tons of micro bubbles in tank.
Shut down skimmer - microbubble still there. Shut down mag 350 carbon filter - still microbubbles. Checked sump - final baffled chamber shows no microbubbles. Clear vinyl tubing from sump to return pump shows no microbubbles. Clear vinyl tubing from return pump to overflow/return shows no micobubbles. As far as I can tell the top 90 degree pvc fitting or the black articulated return nozzle are the only possible areas for air to be getting into return. Any thoughts welcome.
Dennis

 

[b_clark711]

Originally Posted by Dennis210
http:///forum/post/2689687
Okay I just built a 65 gal frg tank with a sump. Tons of micro bubbles in tank.
Shut down skimmer - microbubble still there. Shut down mag 350 carbon filter - still microbubbles. Checked sump - final baffled chamber shows no microbubbles. Clear vinyl tubing from sump to return pump shows no microbubbles. Clear vinyl tubing from return pump to overflow/return shows no micobubbles. As far as I can tell the top 90 degree pvc fitting or the black articulated return nozzle are the only possible areas for air to be getting into return. Any thoughts welcome.
Dennis

There is definitely air entering the line somewhere. The only time I get microbubbles is when I work on my tank, and the impeller inlet on my pump starts sucking some air, but that's contributed to me bumping it or something and the inlet head peaking above the water line. Has to be air entering somewhere!

 

[rockman]

Check the pump for defects (even if its new) it only takes a pinhole the size of a humane hair at or before the pump. check all fittings that are glued and threaded
Microbubbles are very hard to see when they are moving fast plus thier under pressure from being pumped (Which makes them smaller and harder to see)
wish you luck!

 

[mkzimms]

you might want to brush another layer of pvc cement over all the joints.

 

[b_clark711]

Originally Posted by mkzimms
http:///forum/post/2690940
you might want to brush another layer of pvc cement over all the joints.
Definitely!

 

[dennis210]

Thanks for the responses - I redid entire system and still had microbubbles. Replaced ball valves and finally ended microbubbles. The old addage about the more working parts can foul things up was true this time.