Return pump filter pad

[rthomas]

Does anyone use a filter pad on the return pump? Pro's and con's.

 

[dnjan]

Does anyone use a filter pad on the return pump? Pro's and con's.

I do not. Filter pads need to be cleaned regularly, and my return pump is not easy-enough to get at for me to clean the filter pad weekly.

My return pump intake is in a separate section o the sump, so very little has a chance to get into the pump.

 

[mmkeeper]

No filter pads are nitrate factories.

 

[rthomas]

I use it help prevent bubbles. I do have a bubble trap in the sump but just doesn't seem to do the whole trick. I will say its not a alot of bubbles just some real fine ones. What would you recommend?

MMkeeper - I have a 75 gallon display tank and my sump is 12.5 x 30 inch sump with refugium and my return pump is the Supreme Magnetic Drive model 9.5 950 GPH.

 

[mmkeeper]

Are you sure the bubbles are coming from the input to the return pump and not from the plumbing?

 

[rthomas]

mmkeeper - First would like to thank you for your help. When I remove the pad what happens is where the pump is sucking the water it form like a it form a swirling suction into the pump. I don't know if this makes sense. I was thinking of making a T in the plumbing. The plumbing I'm using is 1 inch wide clear tubing.

 

[dnjan]

Can you raise the water level in your sump a bit? I think if the water level was higher, the swirling that is sucking in air (like a mini-tornado) would not reach all the way down to the pump.

 

[rthomas]

I thought the same thing and tried that but no success that why I thought maybe the pump was to powerfull. Your right it forms like a mini tornado. I just want to get rid of the pad but don't want a bunch of bubbles. DO you think use a T in the return plumbing would help at all?

 

[rthomas]

I'm also filling the section of the sump where the pump is (12 .6 x 6 inches) with water often which someone from my LFS said thats a sign the pumb is to strong. Top it off everyday.

 

[mmkeeper]

If you are adding water daily, it is evaporation. Your water level is the problem. I have the same thing when my powerheads are to close to the surface of my tank. Raise the water level or can you lay the pump on its side?

 

[mmkeeper]

If you find that the filter pad helps, make sure you clean it a couple of times a week and keep an eye on your nitrates. It might help to have several so you change them easier and get the dirty one clean.

 

[rthomas]

I can't lay the pump on its side. Is there any reef tricks to help prevent evaporation?

 

[mmkeeper]

Evaporation is generally good. It helps to lower temps.

 

[dnjan]

Can you put an elbo (pointing down) on your pump intake? You should be able to find PVC elbo's that are threaded on one side, or else glue an elbo onto a threaded connector.

 

[Bainic]

Good idea dnjan, I have to top off my return pump section daily as well, it is from evaporation, nothing to worry about. Just make sure that you're topping off with fresh water not salt mixed or your salinity will rise.

Dave

 

[burning2nd]

why does everyone hate bubbles so much....

a little micro bubbles are ok IMO

if the sump is new the bubbles will pass in time..

 

[rthomas]

I did attach the elbow just now so I'll see how this works. Thanks for the tip. Also the sump is pretty new so I hope the fine bubbles will pass. Any other tips to rid of the fine bubbles.

Any one know if running a T in my return plumbing would help? Is the pump to much power?

 

[mmkeeper]

It could help. it won't hurt to try. You don't need to glue it.

 

[dnjan]

Any one know if running a T in my return plumbing would help? Is the pump to much power?

The T in the return line would just be a splitter to have two returns instead of one? This will cause some head loss, which will reduce the intake vortex you are seeing (since the flow rate will be reduced). So, yes, it could help. I would wait and see what the elbo on the pump intake does first, unless you really want two returns.