Downscaling pump?

[don-n-sa]

I run the sequence barracuda on my 240g which has the same flow as Alex's pump, it is just the newer model. I have ZERO microbubbles.

Alex, like I told you just be patient...sometimes microbubbles go away on their own after the slimecoat forms on all your new plumbing.

[PsychFish13]

I never use ball valves for this reason. I have had much better luck with gate valves and they give you tons more control over flow rates.

[captexas]

As long as all the joints in the pipe are sealed well, it doesn't matter what kind of valve you use. If there is any bit of a hole in a joint, pushing that much water through it will create a suction to where air could be pulled in, therefore you get microbubbles.

I would say if you have a handy extra pump around and it's easy to swap them out, give it a try. If anything you will at least narrow down the possible source of the bubbles. If you have a closed loop, use the bigger pump on it instead of your sump return. Also, give it some time as Don said, your joints may seal up or you may have an air pocket in one of your lines due to opening and closing valves. If the problem continues, you need to find where the system is sucking the air in from.

[georgeortiz]

I was having problems with microbubbles in my closed loops. One day I went ahead and started looking at all the plumbing, used marine goop on every joint and VOILA no bubbles. You might want to try this before you go and buy a new pump. You have a heavy flow rate but, maybe it is just the plumbing letting air in. Since they are small bubbles it is probably a small crevice or joint that is letting in a miniscule amount of air into the system.

[alexwolf]

another concern of mine is the splash from the sump. I feel that less flow will fix this problem.

[dan]

or get a bigger sump. i have the same pump but my filter is 8' long so i hope the bubbles will leave before they can reach the pump. plus the filter is in two sections. like in a L shape. still haven't pluged her in yet.

[alexwolf]

LOL
you just built me this sump!!!

[NaCl_H2O]

plus the filter is in two sections. like in a L shape. still haven't pluged her in yet.

Hum, sounds similar to one of your customer's systems ;)