kuda Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 Our tank is plagued with microbubbles. We have had the tank for over a year and a half and have always had the problem off and on. We have pretty much ignored the problem, but since we moved six monthes ago, our tank has also really liked to grow hair algae... This used to be fun, now it is just a game of pulling weeds and trying to keep things alive, not watching them grow. No fun anymore! I have tried EVERYTHING under the sun to prevent or cure the algae: (water changes, phosphate reactor, turning down lights and feeding, scubbing, pulling) and still the algae is winning the war. Microbubbles are clinging to everything. I thought that maybe that is the root of the algae issue and can not find the source of the microbubble problem. I have all return lines (phosphate reactor, calcium reactor, overflow, chiller, skimmer) flowing into a sock to try to alleviate the problem without success. Help! I am ready to throw it all out the window!DOH!(nutty) Quote
fishmanmike01 Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 You could try to double up your socks.I have that problem with the return on my skimmer, i fixed by doubling up those carbon socks that are used in those HOB WISPER filters.I just attach over the end of the return pipe with a zip tie. Quote
Lowman Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 you may have a crack or something on the impeller of your return pump, check that. What is you magnesium level testing at, if you get your Mg over 1450 and keep it like that for a few weeeks, your hair algae should go away. Quote
Michael7979 Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 I was going to add that maybe you have a leak in an elbow of your plumbing. Allowing air in and constantly mixing with the water. Almost like it was cavitating.... if you understand what I'm getting at. Quote
CCR Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 look in the return, impute of the pump.I had a piece of snail shell in it!!!!!! I was so pissed I even replaced the pump BEFORE I found the piece of shell. I had to use a bbq skewer to dislodge it Quote
CA2OR Posted January 3, 2009 Posted January 3, 2009 So to get this straight micro bubbles are bad, but we use skimmers that pump bubbles into our water? Quote
dsoz Posted January 3, 2009 Posted January 3, 2009 From what I understand, microbubbles are not bad in and of themselves. They are not aesthetically pleasing to have in a display tank. Most people want to focus on their livestock, not look at bubbles floating around. Somebody correct me if I am wrong. dsoz Quote
MadReefer Posted January 3, 2009 Posted January 3, 2009 I've read that bubbles can kill clams. I don't know if it's true. Quote
CA2OR Posted January 3, 2009 Posted January 3, 2009 I was told that they can kill anemone's as well is that true? Quote
darrellw Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 According to this article, it is a myth that they are a problem: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-11/eb/index.php Certainly for species that live on the reef crest there is going to be lots of bubbles in the water. Also, technically if you can see them with the naked eye, they are bubbles, not micro bubbles :-). -Darrell Looks like the microbubble section is in part 3: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-01/eb/index.php Quote
CCR Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 Skimmers, if properly setup do not put bubbles back into the system. Quote
CA2OR Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 ah....got it....make sure skimmer is set up correctly. Quote
Leonard Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 microbubbles does your microbubble problem lead to extra salt splash? Quote
downhill_biker Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 I was going to add that maybe you have a leak in an elbow of your plumbing. Allowing air in and constantly mixing with the water. Almost like it was cavitating.... if you understand what I'm getting at. lol. that would be airating. cavitation is only caused by a negative pressure making a vacuum bubble and collapsing violently. this is very hard on pumps and wears them out quickly. if there was a leak on the inlet side it would be airation and not as big of an issue for the pump but probably causing more problems. you are right, that is for sure, just thought i would have fun and be technical about mechanical things since i am a millwright. Quote
CA2OR Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 Hey downhill, how long have you been doing this? You seem to know an awful lot. Quote
Michael7979 Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 Thanks Downhill for pointing out that I am stupid!! :) :):) Quote
CA2OR Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 All(icon) to Downhill's unlimited knowledge. (kneel) Quote
downhill_biker Posted January 4, 2009 Posted January 4, 2009 LOL. guys you make me blush....(shy) I went through a very extensive trade program in North Idaho, and have been a journeyman millwright since 2005. I am only 22 years old, so still am learning. I try to be the best I can, and people notice. My current place of employment just had a major layoff, 200 people. I was laid off, but then the same company, only corporate hired me. They like that I work hard and can build anything they ask for. Bla..Bla..Bla head getting bigger... Quote
downhill_biker Posted January 5, 2009 Posted January 5, 2009 i work for swanson group. they are a wood products manufacturer in the oregon coast area. i currently am installing and setting up new machinery at the springfield plant. they have 24 million dollars worth of new equipment, so looks like i will be there for at least the next 6 months to year. Quote
CA2OR Posted January 5, 2009 Posted January 5, 2009 very cool. Sounds like you got a good job there dude. Quote
diamondof5 Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 All I know is we had hair algea and WE bought a couple of Sea hares (Slugs) and They cleared it up. We also had the green bubbles and we bought a copper banded butterfly fish who ate them right up she also ate the tiny little nuscence feather dusters (she also ate my big ones but it was a acceptable trade off.) and the glass anemones. These were two of my best purcheses. Quote
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