Bubbles problem in sump in Chinese aquarium

[Mrlissa]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some help and creative ideas from people with experience in sump systems.
I have a MinJiang aquarium with a bottom sump. The water from the display tank drains down, passes through two removable sections with filter sponges, and then drops from a height into the sump.
The main issue was the noise from the falling water. I tried placing a piece of styrofoam floating on the water surface, and surprisingly it worked great. The noise is almost completely gone.
However, there is another problem: the water flowing over the styrofoam into the sump creates a lot of microbubbles. These bubbles are making their way into the return pump chamber and are eventually being pushed back into the display tank.
Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? I’m looking for ideas on how to keep the noise reduction without creating a bubble problem.
Any suggestions, DIY solutions, or creative modifications would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

It looks like the water is running down a ramp and falling into the sump, this is where the splash noise and bubbles come from. Most of us have our drain pipes going directly into the sump water, this way is completely silent and reduces bubbles.

 

[Mrlissa]

It looks like the water is running down a ramp and falling into the sump, this is where the splash noise and bubbles come from. Most of us have our drain pipes going directly into the sump water, this way is completely silent and reduces bubbles.

Do you have any ideas how to fix it?

 

[Reef Jedi]

This sump layout reminds me of a wet/dry bioball layout. Where that first chamber is filled with bio balls. That eliminates the water noise and the micro bubbles. Additionally a sponge filter could be placed between the baffles leaving that first chamber. I’ve read before this manufacture expects the consumer to diy the sump and some are not always complete.

If you could also post photos of the full sump that may help to see if anything else could be done.

 

[Mrlissa]

This sump layout reminds me of a wet/dry bioball layout. Where that first chamber is filled with bio balls. That eliminates the water noise and the micro bubbles. Additionally a sponge filter could be placed between the baffles leaving that first chamber. I’ve read before this manufacture expects the consumer to diy the sump and some are not always complete.

If you could also post photos of the full sump that may help to see if anything else could be done.

I made a video

 

[Reef Jedi]

I made a video

Thanks for the video!

If this was my sump, I would pack the bottom of that first chamber with all live rock till it’s just below the water. Then I would but bioballs on top till they touch the bottom of that second filter drawer. Basically a hybrid wet dry set up. That should eliminate the water noise and greatly reduce the bubbles. For good measure. I would also get a second black sponge filter to go between the baffles, that should eliminate any remaining micro bubbles that could go into the return pump. They make those black sponges in many different thicknesses and sizes. I would get one that fits that baffle width and cut it down to size if the sheet is too big.

I think between those two steps will solve your problems.

 

[Mrlissa]

Thanks for the video!

If this was my sump, I would pack the bottom of that first chamber with all live rock till it’s just below the water. Then I would but bioballs on top till they touch the bottom of that second filter drawer. Basically a hybrid wet dry set up. That should eliminate the water noise and greatly reduce the bubbles. For good measure. I would also get a second black sponge filter to go between the baffles, that should eliminate any remaining micro bubbles that could go into the return pump. They make those black sponges in many different thicknesses and sizes. I would get one that fits that baffle width and cut it down to size if the sheet is too big.

I think between those two steps will solve your problems.

I found a similar sump design also in Cade aquariums. Maybe I can use the same method in my setup? Take a look at this: CADE Altumate S2 1200 | AlgaeBarn https://share.google/JpBD4iy7PIby63iMs

 

[Reef Jedi]

I found a similar sump design also in Cade aquariums. Maybe I can use the same method in my setup? Take a look at this: CADE Altumate S2 1200 | AlgaeBarn https://share.google/JpBD4iy7PIby63iMs

Yes! This is perfect and I think would solve all your issues you’re having.