Simplicity 240DC Skimmer microbubbles

vinsonj · Oct 29, 2022

I've really been struggling to tune my Simplicity 240DC Skimmer after installing a Reefmat 500 in the sump. It worked flawlessly for a couple months, but for whatever reason, has since decided to start generating these microbubbles. I've followed the manual's directions explicitly (sump water height says 7-9 inches, and I've tried it at 7, 8 and 9 inches respectively). No matter what I do though, it continuously dumps microbubbles into the sump. See below video for an example:

October 29, 2022

www.youtube.com

The bubbles completely disappear when I turn the skimmer off. Normally, I'd just leave it off, as the Reefmat keeps things very clear as it is. However, I also have a CO2 scrubber attached to the skimmer, so when I turn it off, my Ph drops considerably:

Has anyone else run into this and/or know what I might be doing wrong? I've already pulled the skimmer out, cleaned it and put it all back together. As you can see, I've also tried various sponges in between the skimmer and the return pump, but the bubble just pass right through them. I've also removed the CO2 scrubber to see if it might be the cause, but even without it attached the microbubbles kept coming. Any ideas? This is incredibly frustrating, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Queen City Corals · Nov 6, 2022

I run multiple Simplicities at my shop and on several client tanks and have never seen them out out bubbles like that I would run it in a bucket of saltwater without the CO2 scrubber to see if it is actually the Reef Mat causing this or just an issue with the skimmer itself. I think if it is the skimmer itself its most likely the water bypassing the cone and flowing directly out the side, could be related to the neck cleaner.

Speaker · Nov 7, 2022

Have you tried taking it apart and cleaning it? Was the neck cleaner and CO2 scrubber on it before you put the reefmat in?

Simplicity Aquatics · Nov 29, 2022

This is almost certainly the result of a chemical of some kind on the rollermat that is causing a change to the surface tension of the bubbles. You can likely fix it by removing the contamination. Usually this comes with a skimmer that will overflow as well.

Some carbon would likely do it, other wise follow these instructions.

I would recommend running the skimmer at a slightly slower speed as needed to have the cup fill over the course of 5-6 or more hours. The skimmate may appear clear, but it is likely full of some substance which is causing it to over skim. These are commonly added with a new tank and include: Bacterial supplements, dechlorinators, clarifiers like those included with some sand, red slime treatments like ChemiClean, even some fresh mixed salts will cause a skimmer to go bonkers. Throw away this clear skimmate and keep doing this (like 3-4 times at least) until your skimmer starts to work differently. You will find it will soon need you to increase the speed so it can create any skimmate at all. This is a good sign you have or have nearly removed the product/contamination.

After all of that writing, I just realized I already helped you weeks ago and I was correct,,, removing multiple cups of "clear" skimmate fixed your bubbles.

Fredrxn · Jan 30, 2023

I had the same skimmer it did the same thing…upgraded to a maxspex skimmer

Arkayology · Sep 4, 2024

I got a Simplicity 120 DC and it is doing the same thing as in this video. The tank is about a month old and the skimmer has been running for over a week now and the microbubbles are not going away. As noted above, it looks like the microbubbles are leaving the bubble plate and getting sucked out of the exit pipe. Anyone have any insight?

Simplicity Aquatics · Sep 5, 2024

Arkayology said:
I got a Simplicity 120 DC and it is doing the same thing as in this video. The tank is about a month old and the skimmer has been running for over a week now and the microbubbles are not going away. As noted above, it looks like the microbubbles are leaving the bubble plate and getting sucked out of the exit pipe. Anyone have any insight?

Hello Arkayology,

More than likely if the skimmer has been broken in this is the result of a chemical compound that was added at some point that causes microbubbles to exist. Especially if its a brand new tank not just a new skimmer. Clarifier added with sand, bio starters for kick starting your cycle, dechlorinators if not using RODI, etc etc. All these kinds of things will make any skimmer go a bit nuts and will cause microbubbles to boot.

I would recommend running the skimmer really wet, like fills the collection cup in 4-5 hours kind of wet. This will look like water, but its filled with whatever is the cause. Throw it away and do it again. After 2-3 skimmer cups worth you will start to have to retune your skimmer and bubbles should subside. It will likely take even more to go away, but you will find it will then skim better and microbubbles will subside. Running active carbon will also be a bit help.

Cheers
joel