HELP w/filter(sump)

My filter is either blowing micro bubbles or salt\sand back into the tank. When i shut the pump down it clears. New to sump\Saltwater setup. Not sure what to do. I did however notice the Sump has salt or sand resting on the bottom.

Tank 210
Blueline HD40x pump
45G sump w/refugium
Micron bags

 

Bump, can't help on this

 

If it's salt I would put a power head aiming at the bottom of the sump on any section of it at a time, until it's mixed. It will eventually dissolve by itself, but this would speed it up.

If it's sand, you can buy a gravel vacuum at your local fish store and siphon it out of there.

Are you using really fine sand or a coarser grain?

- Mag.

 

Using 3 different grade of sand\crushed coral. I have 2 power heads currently in the tank now. Model 4 Hydor.

 

What kind of skimmer do you have?

 

It could be your skimmer (if you have one). If it's not, then you can try to put a filter sock on the drain.

 

How big is your main tank? I have a 55 gallon tank and use only 1 Hydor 4 since 2 would have been too much flow for some of my corals.

This is also a good idea. A fine filter sock would more than likely capture any micro bubbles.


On a different note, is your sump an all glass sump or a pre-built commercial sump / tricker filter? Some of these pre-built filters have a built in skimmer that's air stone operated and you may have to regulate your air a bit since I've recently learned skimmers need a break in period and this may be the reason why it's not working properly. That is of course if it's brand new.

Good luck!

 

I also shut the skimmer down and still have the same problem.
tank 210G
Skimmer Octopus nw-200 2010
Sump has 2 filter socks. 1 for each overflow.

 

pics of everything will help us identify the problem

 

If you shut down your skimmer and the bubbles are still present, your options have just narrowed down to your overflow box.
I'm having the same problem with mine, big bubbles coming down the overflow box into the sump, and it looks like I just pored soda in the glass, bubbles are dancing like in the coke commercial and salt creep is accumulating on the glass.

I'm not sure how to work on that. But If I figure something out I'll let you know.

Of course, a picture of your setup, like Telgar suggested would help.

- Mag.