Too many bubbles from skimmer and Noisy water return

[marcweiskopf]

I have two problems that need help.

1) My ES-2 Euroreef protein skimmer is adding microbubbles into my aquarium. When I turn off the skimmer the bubbles no longer come out of the return pipe. Although, I still have millions of bubbles inside the aquarium that make it look cloudy. How do I stop this from occurring.

2) My downpipe is very noisy when the water hits the refugium. I have tried everything that I can think of including:
Pipe length just above the water line
Below the water line 1/2", 1", 1.5", 2"
Drilled two holes and then four holes just above the water line
Added an elbow to the downpipe under the water

All of these that I have tried and it still sounds like a volcano erupting.
The sounds are coming from the water from the down pipe hitting the refugium.

Any help with the two problems above would be greatly appreciated.

Marc Weiskopf

 

[wrightme43]

ok on the refugium, have you extended the inlet pipe where it flows into the refugium underwater? On the skimmer usually that means they are turned up to high, can you throttle back the flow or lower the level of the water in the skimmer? HTH Steve

 

[bradreef]

euroreef has its own forum on reefCentral. I would try there then one fo the reps from the company can help. pics would help also.

 

[ahenson]

Are you using the outlet sponge? My return is close to level with water in sump with a 90 elbow with a few more inches of pipe. Probably not the best but its quiet.

 

[NaH2O]

Marc - Welcome to Reef Frontiers!!! Hopefully we can get this figured out for ya.

I talked briefly with you in chat, so I'll post some of the other info:

The skimmer is new, and is using the outlet sponge.
The noise is not coming from the standpipes.

How close is the skimmer pump to where the water is entering the sump?

 

[marcweiskopf]

The skimmer pump is currently almost right under the downpipe where the water comes in. I have tried moving the skimmer around in its area and the bubbles still appear.

 

[NaH2O]

Marc - Take a look at Euro-Reef's Technical Support & FAQ page. Question #4 is about microbubbles. If those tips don't help, then try sending Euroreef an email (their email address is on the same page I linked). I had a "leak" issue with my skimmer, and they were prompt with helping me.

Have you played around anymore with your drain lines? Still making noise?