Sump help please?

cav~firez22 · #1 08-05-2007, 12:05 AM

Hi everyone,

I just bought a 135 Gallon Tank, stand canopy, sump & pump system.

I am having issues with my sump, as i am new to this setup.

Here is a pic of the sump, running.

My issue is micro bubbles. i think

My tank is just clouded with them. its not crystal clear at all.
I have the returns backed to around half, and there are still micro bubbles going in to the 3rd chamber of the sump.

Any input on how to have the sump setup would be great... ie. filter media.

Der_Iron_Chef · #2 08-05-2007, 12:13 AM

Lots of people swear by the use of filter socks to eliminate microbubbles (as well as to collect detritus). Not sure where it would go, exactly. Where's the output of your skimmer?

cav~firez22 · #3 08-05-2007, 12:18 AM

no skimmer yet

just a UV steralizer , and a DIY Coil Denitrator.

Denitrator outputs in the first chamer, UV outputs under water in the 3rd chamber

mark · #4 08-05-2007, 12:42 AM

Often the baffles are arranged over-under-over, might mod that.

Another thing to try is putting another baffle on the far right, with the bottom corners cut a bit at a 45°. You don't want the baffle completely sealed as then you're limiting the volume available for evaporation.

And I second the socks.

cav~firez22 · #5 08-05-2007, 12:44 AM

ya gonna try to find socks for it

Redrover · #6 08-05-2007, 12:48 AM

Here's a pic of my H/S in sump skimmer...I don't quiet know what your doing..
What's the filter pad doing laying over top of your baffles...I recommend a good skimmer. Mybe PM Marc
What's the wood doing under first baffle...No water flow?
I only use a sock for two days after a water change, then remove it.
Water line should be close to the top of your second baffle...get rid of filter pad
RJ

cav~firez22 · #7 08-05-2007, 12:52 AM

it quiets down the water fall. even with the pump @ 1/2 thats a freakin ragin waterfall. I dont know what im doing either.. other then getting frusterated with this.

Redrover · #8 08-05-2007, 01:00 AM

Like I said PM Marc [SuperFudge ]

Johnny Reefer · #9 08-05-2007, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrover

What's the filter pad doing laying over top of your baffles...? What's the wood doing under first baffle...?

I second these questions.
They way it looks to me, those pieces of wood are blocking your water flow. Consequently, it is just flowing overtop of the two baffles. It's also likely not flowing through your carbon bag either. I suspect the filter pad is an attempt to reduce turbulence and, thus, microbubbles? I suggest getting rid of the wood. Then your water will flow as it should...under the first baffle and over the second. Your microbubbles should reduce during this water path. Replace the wood with "eggcrate" if you still want to use the carbon bag that way.
Also, can you raise the water level of the third chamber and still maintain adequate reserve in the event of a power failure? If so, I suggest raising it to just below the top of that second baffle.

HTH.

deep6er · #10 08-05-2007, 03:09 AM

I would get a filter sock, raise the water level in your sump a bit, get rid of the wood and filter pads. Are you sure you are not sucking in air in any of the pumps. This might cause micro bubbles to form and a bit of water leakage, so it should be easy to spot.
Good luck keep us posted.