Bubbles On Screen Scrubber

When I've run my skimmer low (just to aerate), it's still forms a foam, which would overflow back into the sump, without a cup, given time. This previously alive stuff, may in fact be dead by the time this overflowing occurs, so I didn't allow it. Far as the Bubbles on a screen thing, I have a feeling that the proximity of the bubbles to the site of photosynthesis, may actually increase its effectiveness.

I have stopped my Co2 additions via the skimmer at present to monitor aeration at the screen surface. When the screen is not lit, the pH stays relatively constant at 8.15 to 8.2. When lit, the pH ranges from 8.2 to 8.24. When lit and adding Kalk to the display, the pH ranges from 8.2 to 8.28.

 

Depends on your actual pH. Inside air usually has more Co2 in it, so if your pH is rising too much during photosynthesis, then use inside air. If your finding your pH is dropping too much when the scrubber lights are off, then use outside air (but mine doesn't, because this is when the display lights are on).

 

Excellent Ricky, now we can get some proper data. If you'd be able to keep your eye on pH stability, and calcium and alkalinity usage, that would be great.

 

A skimmer without the "skim"

 

Looks like its foaming from excessive surfactant build up. If you run a skimmer for a couple of days, the foaming should stop. This is detailed here;
http://algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?2169-Skimmers-help-Scrubbers-breathe

 

Yeah, sounds feasible.

 

I think so. Don't get any foaming on my sump, but I got a skimmer going also (which produces quite well). Saved a weeks holiday this year, so over two weeks for Christmas hols this year, and it feels great.