Bubbles around the tank caused by OHF

[benedetto13]

Hey guys, just started using OHF like few days ago, I realised there are alot of bubbles around the tank, not on the surface of the water. And also on the tube that allows the water to flow down. Sorry i don't have photos to show this, but any of you faced the same problem last time?

I'm using dolphin P808 in a feet tank, there's two holes, one to suck water up to OHF and the other to pump water out, the water pumped out pretty strong. What can i use to reduce it? I adjust it to the minimum already. I'm going to keep shrimps but i'm afraid it will knock out the shrimps.

Thanks all!

[stormhawk]

The bubbles forming around the tank at the glass is normal. It happens with new tanks at the initial stage. They will dissipate into the water column over time, or if you really find it annoying, just use your fingers to burst them underwater. I believe the powerhead you are using, in this case the Dolphin P808, flowrate is probably too strong for a 2ft tank. Perhaps switching to a powerhead with a lower flow rate and directing all the water flow up to the OHF should help in solving your worries.

If I'm not wrong, the P808's flow is rated at 1200-1800 l/h going by info on Arofan boards. That is pretty much overkill for a regular 2 x 1.5 x 1.5 ft tank with a volume of 122 litres not including substrate (if any) and other decor. That powerhead is pretty much pushing the full tank's volume 10 times over or more. I'd advise you to go with a lower rated powerhead for you and your shrimp's/cray's sake. I would go for a powerhead rated at around 300-400 l/h or something that has the flowrate about 3 x your tank's full volume of water.

See this page for a rough guide on calculating what is best for your actual and planned future bio load:
http://aqadvisor.com/

Good site done by a fellow forumer - yhbae.

[benedetto13]

The bubbles forming around the tank at the glass is normal. It happens with new tanks at the initial stage. They will dissipate into the water column over time, or if you really find it annoying, just use your fingers to burst them underwater. I believe the powerhead you are using, in this case the Dolphin P808, flowrate is probably too strong for a 2ft tank. Perhaps switching to a powerhead with a lower flow rate and directing all the water flow up to the OHF should help in solving your worries.

If I'm not wrong, the P808's flow is rated at 1200-1800 l/h going by info on Arofan boards. That is pretty much overkill for a regular 2 x 1.5 x 1.5 ft tank with a volume of 122 litres not including substrate (if any) and other decor. That powerhead is pretty much pushing the full tank's volume 10 times over or more. I'd advise you to go with a lower rated powerhead for you and your shrimp's/cray's sake. I would go for a powerhead rated at around 300-400 l/h or something that has the flowrate about 3 x your tank's full volume of water.

See this page for a rough guide on calculating what is best for your actual and planned future bio load:
http://aqadvisor.com/

Good site done by a fellow forumer - yhbae.

A big thank you for the above information! The bubbles are like sticking to the tank walls above the water surface, and there are alot, they were like accumulating. is it still normal? Is it possible if wrap the output with sponge? Will that cause the motor to spoil? At first i thought it was ok but right now, you're absolutely right. But trying not to buy another motor if possible..

[stormhawk]

A smaller powerhead with a low l/h rating should not cost you much to begin with, and give you peace of mind. Besides, you can always keep the 808 as a spare pump.

I would not wrap the output into the tank with sponge because as time passes by, that sponge will be clogged. Doing so also increases resistance to the water flow, which may or may not cause damage to the 808's impeller. You really don't want the 808 to overheat and short circuit under water, not to mention what an eyesore that sponge will be.