safe level of micro bubbles?

[elhewman]

Earlier During initial start up of my new 65 gal setup with a 15 sump. I had such extensive bubble trouble that i could not even see into the tank. Well I reduced those problems by 90-95%. But there still are some micro-bubbles. My wife commented that the tank looks fine now after I reduced even more of the problem last night. I think the veiwing is great but should I worry more about fixing these last few microbubbles for the sake of my animals. I feel like I have done all i can do:doubt:

To get an idea how many bubbles there are I would say that the average viewer would not notice, and probably think things are normal. In addition, no bubbles are clinging to the acrylic. However they do look like like fine debris but again no reduced visibility.

I am utilizing a 1200 mag drive pump so there is some minor turbulance as well. Also consider that thes are tidepool critters and They get bubble filled waves crashing into them on a regular basis.

Hope this makes sense Thanks.

 

[jrgilles]

I don't think you need to worry about it, as long as you're happy with the way it looks. Some bubbles are ok, as all the HOB skimmers dump them into your tank since they are sumpless.

 

[cyberdeth]

From what I've read, "microbubbles" can't be seen by the naked eye. So, if you can "see" the bubbles, they are not the ones to be worried about. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[NWDiver]

I feel your pain! i had the same problem on my warmwater tank.
I agree that there should be no problem with the bubbles for your animals.
They typically come from the skimmer, or the water falling from your overflow into the sump.
Putting a ball valve on the return to slow the water from your return pump will help some, as would a filter bag in your sump where the overflow enters. I used a 4" piece of PVC that has a bunch of 1/2" holes drilled near the bottom on the side facing away from the return pump. The PVC is about an inch taller than the water level in the sump. The water drops from my overflow into the 4" PVC. This lets the bubbles pop as they go over the top of the PVC.