PM Bullet 1 protein skimmer......help (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

I have installed a PM Bullet 1 protein skimmer, and I cannot control the bubbles in the discharge! They say to use a sponge, but when you do this it restricts the effluent and the water level rises, any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[robrog]

There is usually a break-in period with skimmers. It could take 24-48 hours before it settles down and you are able to control your water/bubble levels. If you are using a waste container, I would just put the tube in the sump and let it bubble over into there for now and check it again in the morning......

 

[Guest]

I had the same problem with my MRC skimmer when I had it. One of the things they told me to do that helped was to put a 90 on the end of the discharge pipe and point it straight up, so the water kind of bubbles out from the top of the 90 and into the sump, which causes a lot of the bubbles to pop.

Letting the skimmer break in can make a difference too. Also, if it is a new tank or you have recently done a large water change, that can cause a skimmer to produce excessive bubbles. I know that happens with my Deltec and it can happen with other skimmers as well. Here's a link that explains the problem:

http://deltecaquariumsolutions.com/UseofaDeltecSkimmeronaNewAquariumSetup.htm

 

[RickD]

I had the same problem with my skimmer.
Put a micron felt filter bag around the discharge. This works better than a sponge.

 

[scottk]

Right on, Quackquack! That is how I eliminated the bubbles when I ran mine. Less than $12 at most fish stores and I got my last one at Citypets.

 

[Rusalka]

I am running a Bullet One w/ and Iwaki 40 pressure pump so i get a LOT of bubbles also.

Things to check:
1. With air off, set water level at bottom of clear riser tube. Then slowly open the air valve. The instructions say about 5 o'clock position on the air valve but mine is more around 4 o'clock.
2. Where is it located in the sump? I use two 90's to direct the output toward the back of the sump away from the return pumps.