bubbles from skimmer in main aquairum

[firefish128]

i just installed a ETSS skimmer on my tank with the skimmer return going in the sump, the skimmer produces so many bubbles they dont disapate before they reach the main pump and fills the tank with mini bubbles. How can i reduce the bubbles, is they some type of filter media to wrap around the discharge or do i have to place the skimmer return in a different place. any suggestions would be helpful.

[Chuck S]

You could place the outlet in a sponge to absorb the bubbles. Also I would make sure the discharge is in the furthest place in the sump from the intake pump to the main tank.

I would also check the outlet and inlet flows into the skimmer. Your pump may be too powerful for the skimmer and thus you have your discharge outletting too fast allowing more bubbles than necessary. Another option would be to put a ball valve between the pump and skimmer and tone down the inflow a little. Then adjust your discharge allowing more bubble contact time which will reduce the number going into the aquarium. Venturi skimmers are great at removing waste but do need some adjusting to keep things inline.

[Katspaw]

I have should a strong flow going thru my sump I was getting bubbles going into my tank as well. Instead of using foam to quiet the bubbles I placed a couple of pieces of rock That didn't look good in the show tank into the sump. It made enough of a bridge that the bubbles broke up as the traveled across them and stopped the bubble problem without having to worry about the foam collecting food particles.

Tracey