Foaming Sump

[Ashv5]

Hey guys, I did post a thread with a problem regarding microbubbles a while back. I seem to have lots of foam building up in my sump (only in the 1st chamber) . Here are some pics:

My tank also has some microbubbles in it. Nothing was dropped in it. Idk what this could be... pls help #reefsquad

 

[Cory]

You wont know where its from but its skimmate like a protein skimmer does.

 

[Ashv5]

You wont know where its from but its skimmate like a protein skimmer does.

So nothing to worry? This is a new system too. What should i do? I am still getting microbubbles in my display tank

 

[SuncrestReef]

Your first chamber is likely a bit turbulent from the overflow draining there, and that agitation is acting just like a skimmer would. It's also what you see on a beach where waves crashing introduce air into the water and combines with organic detritus to produce foam.

Most people install a skimmer in the sump to filter out the organics and collect it in a cup so you can empty it periodically.

 

[Ashv5]

Your first chamber is likely a bit turbulent from the overflow draining there, and that agitation is acting just like a skimmer would. It's also what you see on a beach where waves crashing introduce air into the water and combines with organic detritus to produce foam.

Most people install a skimmer in the sump to filter out the organics and collect it in a cup so you can empty it periodically.

So just install a skimmer? Is there any way i can reduce the agitation?

 

[SuncrestReef]

So just install a skimmer? Is there any way i can reduce the agitation?

The agitation is actually a good thing, because it helps with gas exchange to oxygenate your water. If you reduce or eliminate all agitation in your system, your tank inhabitants will eventually die.

The vast majority of reef tank owners use a skimmer. It will remove organics to reduce the buildup of nitrates, help regulate the water pH, and oxygenate the water. See this article for a more detailed explanation: https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/education/do-i-need-a-protein-skimmer-on-my-saltwater-aquarium/

 

[Ashv5]

The agitation is actually a good thing, because it helps with gas exchange to oxygenate your water. If you reduce or eliminate all agitation in your system, your tank inhabitants will eventually die.

The vast majority of reef tank owners use a skimmer. It will remove organics to reduce the buildup of nitrates, help regulate the water pH, and oxygenate the water. See this article for a more detailed explanation: https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/education/do-i-need-a-protein-skimmer-on-my-saltwater-aquarium/

Ol. No I already have an Hob skimmer from my old system. So I’m pretty familiar with them. I was wondering what I could do to reduce the microbubbles in my tank too

 

[nereefpat]

Could you describe your overflow setup? What style and how many gph goes through?

Most of us run skimmers in the first chamber.

 

[NinjaTiLL]

When I setup my new tank a few weeks ago, I also had cloudy water and a bit of foam in places. I ran filter socks for a few days and it cleared the water right up. I also ran my protein skimmer for about a day and had to empty the collection cup many times. I'm pretty sure it was because I didn't rinse my dry sand. I added it to the tank dry and then filled with saltwater. I read afterwards that sand can do that. Let your filtration work it's magic and be patient.

I'm also getting a few micro bubbles in my DT as well. Nothing I'm going to worry about though. I do have a ridiculously oversized return pump (EM L1) and trying the Triton method which suggests a 10x turnover (for my 75G, that's 750g/hr). So I'm going to live with the minute amount micro bubbles in favor of the high return flow. You can probably reduce bubbles by reducing places of agitation in the return lines (minimal 90° fittings, keep return section in your sump pretty full. As nereefpat mentioned, describe or photo your return/overflow setup. Just reducing your return flow could help.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Need a skimmer if you don't have one.

As others have stated, the drain into the sump, with it's flow from the display tank is pulling air with it. This is normal. Placing a filter sock on the drain in the sump will stop the foam from accumulating and stop air bubbles from being picked up by the return pump.

Yes you will need to change the sock for a fresh one when it's dirty, so you'll need two socks. When dirty, just clean them in the washer with bleach only. After washing, take it out and let it dry completely before use.