CS102 BUBBLES!!!

vincejohnston · Aquarist Joined: 06 Apr 2007 Posts: 2

I recently bought a pre-owned CS102, and I have to say I love it! It is super quiet, and altogether tons better than the J tube I had before. The problem I'm experienceing comes from micro bubbles. The water from my tank must fall approx 1.5 inches to the bottom of the overflow, causing a whole bunch of bubbles. I have the airline tube hooked into a MJ 1200, which is removing all the bubbles as they accumulate, so I don't have to worry about losing siphon. However, I DO have to worry about all the micro bubbles being spilled into my tank. I'm thinking that if I cut a half inch or so off the height of the front of the overflow, I may not get so many bubbles since the water won't fall as far. Has anyone else modified their overflow in this way? I'm not sure if it matters, but the water is pumped back up to the display via a Mag Drive 950. Thank you for all your help, Vince

Support · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 8:48 am Post subject:

Vince,
Are you getting bubbles in the back of the overflow box (behind the tank) or in the intake section (inside the tank)? If turbulence bubbles are entering the intake of the overflow, use the adjustment screws on the top of the box to raise the level closer to the surface. This may help smooth out the flow through the box and down to the sump. Also, where do you have the MJ1200 located? If it is inside the tank and pulls bubbles from the overflow, it will pump them into the tank. You can relocate the pump to the sump or use an Aqua Lifter external pump to avoid this.

If the bubbles are occuring in the back of the box, they should be trapped by the pre-filter sponge. If you do not have this sponge, replacements are available online at www.amekaaquatics.com. If the bubbles make it down to the sump, they can be trapped by a pre-filter bag or another block sponge before the return pump pushes water back up to the tank.

vincejohnston · Aquarist Joined: 06 Apr 2007 Posts: 2

I have baffles in the sump, so the bubbles in the sump are not a problem. The problem I'm having is that as the water first enters the overflow, it drops an inch and a half or so, creating bubbles. These then float up the rise, and are sucked out by the MJ1200 into the main tank. This is causing a bunch of micro-bubbles in my display. I will try raising the overflow, and if that doesn't work I guess I could put a pump down in the sump for no other reason than to extract the air. I am wary of the aqualifter due to all the bad things I've read about them. I'm concerned about them breaking down if the power goes out...

Support · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject:

When using a powerhead for extracting the air from the overflow box, it will need to be pushed out the pump. Some hobbyists use it inside the tank to double as a circulation pump, but do periodically get a burst of air bubbles into the tank. Placing the pump in the sump eliminates this, just be sure to direct the water flow away from the return pump.

The Aqua Lifter has been greatly improved since it was first intraoduced with our overflows. They have better bushings in the housing that do not wear as easily when used in salt water. This is an inexpensive pump and the outlet can be directed into the back of the overflow box. Replacement bushings are also available as an alternative to purchasing a new pump.