Sump/Ref run issues

[AdamC]

Alright so I hooked up my sump a few days ago and I can't get rid of the micro bubbles.

I have an overflow box with a clear flex tube as the intake it then goes into one side that overflows into a smaller baffle filled with sponges than it goes into the ref part which fills into the return pump section.

I am using a mag 7 pump for the return it is fitted to a clear tube that feeds into a hard PVC pipe with a valve before the first 90 degree bend. I barely have it open and I still have quite a few micro bubbles and I am unsure how to fix it. I have adjusted it multiple times playing around with the overflow box as well as the ball valve on the return.

Any tips or help?

 

[AdamC]

I also wanted to note that when I jack up the throughput of the mag 7 pump that is when i start to see lots of air bubbles start filling the pipe.

I looked for leaks and such but couldn't find where air was entering at a faster speed opposed to a lower one. I am wondering if I should try and get a new pump a little less powerful to match the intake better.

My overflow box has 2 bulkheads but one is capped off but I rather not add another pipe and attach it to the existing one as there is only room for one connection in the pump box.

 

[Smitty]

How does the water get from the middle section to the return section? That is where you would want a bubble trap. It doesn't appear that you have one.

Also, with that small of a return, do you have an ATO?

 

[ReeferRusty]

Micro Bubbles Solution

When I first built my sump, I had just a straight drainpipe like you.

Now the baffles on the right by the drain take care of the micro bubbles. But, I was still getting a few from the crashing that were making it over the baffles or some all the way through the baffles.

Solution: Filter Sock. I bought a 200 micron filter sock and the water crashes into that instead of open water and thus eliminating almost every bubble totally.

End Result:

Its located behind the protein skimmer. Works great, and keeps the bubbles from entering my skimmer, and I can filter my drain water before it rolls over my Refugium.

Cheap solution, you can find them from about $5-$7, Enjoy!