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return pump sponge

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Mary, Jun 8, 2010.

  1. Jun 8, 2010 #1
    Mary

    Mary Inactive User

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    I am using  a Mag drive pump for my sump return into display tank.  It came with a 'sponge" that you put on the water intake.  Son said 'GET RID OF THAT' IT'S A NITRATE TRAP.  So i did.
    Well now i have tons of  bubbles going into my display tank  When i put the sponge back they disappear.... 
    Any ideas on what i need to do to get rid of the bubbles?  Does this mean my sump bubble trap is inadequate?
    Thanks
    Mary
     
  2. Jun 8, 2010 #2
    glaspie69

    glaspie69 Experienced Reefkeeper

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    as long as your regularly cleaning that sponge your fine leaving it on
     
  3. Jun 8, 2010 #3
    Bela

    Bela Inactive User

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    The sponge is actually there to keep larger particles from entering the pump and hitting the impellar. If you never clean the thing, I agree it can be a problem. FWIW I doubt you are going to get much of a reduction in bubbles with the sponge in place. It really depends on where the bubbles are originating. Do you see bubbles going through the bubble trap?
     
  4. Jun 8, 2010 #4
    Mary

    Mary Inactive User

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    I've been rinsing it out once a week. i see no bubbles in return section and i do see bubbles being trapped. Actually the bubble spewing seems to have calmed down some... not nearly the amt now as there was an hr ago...
     
  5. Jun 8, 2010 #5
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    this happens everytime i clean my skimmer. then settles down after an hour or so. but man its like a snow storm at first.
     
  6. Jun 9, 2010 #6
    pondman Davenport

    pondman

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    whats your water level in the return chamber where the pump is located? i had that problem it was sucking some air in i raised the level a couple inches and now no problem
     
  7. Jun 9, 2010 #7
    Mary

    Mary Inactive User

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    Return area is 8" high. Son said i could be sucking air as well. there are a couple of pipe joints right about water level, so that could be it. i can't feel any air but not sure i would.... Do you think 'sealing" the pipe joints with either glue or silicone would do anything?
     
  8. Jun 9, 2010 #8
    Bela

    Bela Inactive User

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    If the joint are after the intake (and they are) you should, at the very least, see some salt creep if there are any leaks there. Generally speaking intake issues are where bubble problems are derived though.
     
  9. Jun 9, 2010 #9
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    If you are really good about washing it out, leave it on.

    If not, try raising the water level a couple of inches
     
  10. Jun 9, 2010 #10
    Eric West Des Moines, IA

    Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,170
    West Des Moines, IA
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    Hey Mary!
    Do you have any pics of your sump or have you posted some here already?
    I've found macro algae to help reduce microbubbles as well.
    Agree with the others on the sponge - keep it clean and you shouldn't have issues.
    -Eric
     

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