Skimmer problem

[hank]

I have a 72g tank with a 17g sump, an ASM G1 skimmer, and a Rio 32HF return pump. I got this setup used. I have had a problem with micro-bubbles, come to find out the source is the skimmer. With the skimmer off, no bubbles.
What can cause this? And what can I do to correct it? Also, I've had the skimmer off for about 6 hours, Will it hurt things to go without a skimmer? Lots of questions, sorry. This is all new to me.
Hank in SoCal.

[wozza]

What can cause this?And what can I do to correct it?

micro bubbles come from the skimmer bc not all of the bubbles rise up the skimmer body some go through the outlet then in to your system, one way to stop this is to put a filter sock on the outlet of your skimmer, is this possible for you to do?

Also, I've had the skimmer off for about 6 hours, Will it hurt things to go without a skimmer?

i have the same problem as you at the moment and im currently trying to find a way to solve it.
one way im thinking of going is to only run the skimmer at night, that way i wont see the the bubbles in the day.
it is not a big concern to only run the skimmer some of the time, my skimmer is rated for a tank MUCH larger than the tank its on so the foam doesnt allways reach the collecton cup if i only run it half the time it should kill two birds with one stone...no micro bubbles in the day and a good dry skimmate

hope that helps, james

[hank]

Thanks for the help. Hank in SoCal

[Reefland]

Hank, do you have any type of baffling in your sump before your return pump? A series of baffles in the sump before the return goes a long way in removing bubbles.