Microbubbles to add insult to injury

[deikens]

well when it rains it pours! bubble problems too... Has anyone ever fitted a bulkhead with a barb end for flex pipe? I want to redo my return line from my pump (I feel this is the source of my bubbles)... the return line is PVC and i want to make it Flex hose (3/4"). I was wondering how you put a barb end on a Bulkhead? Will a 1" FPT fit over a 1/2" bulkhead (into tank bulkhead).

This is what i have...
Pump is a Poseidon PS3 External Pump
I have a 3/4" check valve
several feet of 3/4" flex tubing
3/4" MPT x 3/4"Barb (same in 1/2")

When i set up the tank i reduced my PVC from 3/4" to 1/2" (why i don't know) coming out of the pump. I think this has strained my pump, possibly reducing the flow from it? Anyhow, i posted a bubble problem a long time ago and thought i would get it under control with a protein skimmer and adjusting sponge placements in my sump. It didn't work. I feel that i have reduced all of my problems down to the pump return line??? The sump is baffled and the skimmer and a micro bubble diffuser. These bubbles are driving me nuts! Can you guys help? I can take pictures of anything if you need to see what i am describing? If Flex pipe doesn't work i think i need to replace my external pump! I have lost confidence in my return pump!

[chuckpearce]

Do you have micro bubbles going into the intake of your return pump?
If yes, then problem may not the return plumbing.
If no, then there may be small leak in your return plumbing sucking air in. Do you notice any water leaking from return plumbing when return pump is off? Do you have a shut off valve before your return bulk head?
If so turn off valve and look for a water leak, leave return pump on. this short of time will not hurt pump.
If I read your post right, return pump 1/2 to 3/4 pipe. this may be one cause of the bubbles.
All my pulmbing into sump and return are hard pvc pipe, and no bubbles.
If bulk head has internal or externel thread you can use a mpt to barb fitting, seal the threads with teflon tape.

[deikens]

ok reply maybe slow for the next few days... my wife and i are having our first kid. I am writing this from our hospital room.

Do you have micro bubbles going into the intake of your return pump?
NO i don't think so... That was what i thought my first problem was... I have that solved.

If no, then there may be small leak in your return plumbing sucking air in. Do you notice any water leaking from return plumbing when return pump is off? No, i checked that. I also thought i had a small pin hole sucking air so i re-glued all of my fittings.

Do you have a shut off valve before your return bulk head? Yes I have two shut off valves one before the pump and one after the pump... i also have two quick disconnects.
If so turn off valve and look for a water leak, leave return pump on. this short of time will not hurt pump.
This will have to wait til i get home again!

If I read your post right, return pump 1/2 to 3/4 pipe. this may be one cause of the bubbles.
3/4 to the pump then reduced to 1/2 coming out. This is what i think the problem is as well.

All my pulmbing into sump and return are hard pvc pipe, and no bubbles.
If bulk head has internal or externel thread you can use a mpt to barb fitting, seal the threads with teflon tape.

The bulk head has male threading. The only concern i have is the bulkhead has a lip of about a 1/4". Do you think i can get a fitting to sell with that? What size fitting should i use? I think a 1" female will fit the 1/2" bulk head... Not sure about the 3/4" bulkhead... I wish i had done things differently when i set up the sump, but hey it was my first sump!!! Thanks for the help!!!

[Kimberly]

YOu know He is a reef junky when he is sitting in the hospital waiting for his wife to deliver and post questions on forums about his system!! lol Hope everythings turns out good! God Bless!!!

[deikens]

[chuckpearce]

Congrats!

[deikens]

Well after a long battle, the bubbles are gone... I took out the upper section of hard piping and replaced it with flex pipe... Since i had it ripped apart i thought i would clean the pump real well... (i did this the first time and had no success) I found a couple of big pieces of carbon lodged in intake chamber. Cleaned it all out real well and the pump hasn't run better!!! Thanks everyone for all the help!