So, if you've been following my posts at all on this forum, you've probably noticed that I have issues with the amount of noise made by my overflow, my sump pump, my protein skimmer, etc. I know your first thought is that I need to just get used to it, but it's been almost a month and the noise is driving me a little (lot) nuts.

So, I've been thinking about my sump implementation, and realized that the my sump was providing the following:
Extra water capacity
A place to put my heater
A place to put my Protein Skimmer (AquaC Remora)

I decided that other than the extra water capacity, I really didn't need my sump. Additionally, it wasn't well configured to put a refugium in there, so the benefits were somewhat limited.

So, last night, I removed my sump from the system and put in my extra Hydor pump to replace the circulation provided by my water return pump.

I plugged my protein skimmer in as a HOB (previously in the sump), and I was unhappy about the amount of noise made by the power head (a new AquaClear 1200)) and the skimmer. It ended up being a constant high-pitched whine. Additionally, it introduced quite a few microbubbles into the DT.

So, my question to everyone is if anyone knows of a hang on back skimmer that is super quiet? Additionally, if it doesn't introduce microbubbles into the DT, so much the better.

I'm sure I'm asking too much, but I thought I'd at least try.

Thanks,
-Chris

I've been doing some more reading on the Remora skimmer and found a post over on the 3reef.com forums (http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/quick-guide-aqua-c-remora-protein-skimmer-33175.html) that talks about making the skimmer more quiet and reducing the microbubbles. So, I've plugged it back in and we'll see how it goes. Right now my tank is full of bubbles, but I think that's to be expected when first firing up one of these things.

Fingers Crossed....

I have read that one of the things you can do is make a "slide" for the return so the water is not falling onto the surface.

My Remora took a while to break in. Maybe even 2-3 weeks. The microbubbles went away and it did get quieter. It also may have taken longer from being on a new system just starting to cycle.

I have heard many friends rave about using a paper towel folded and placed over the spray chamber to quiet them down. I personally dont mind the sounds of my tank, I find them relaxing.

I have heard many friends rave about using a paper towel folded and placed over the spray chamber to quiet them down. I personally dont mind the sounds of my tank, I find them relaxing.

Yes, the paper towel trick does work remarkably well.

I'm hoping the bubbles reduce/go away after a couple of weeks. For now, I'm going to put the skimmer onto a timer so it runs at night and when I'm at work. That way it'll get a good 16 hours a day of action. I'm also thinking that having it off during feedings is probably also a good thing.

I dont remember mine having microbubble problems, but it was a couple years ago. I would give it a little more time and see what happens.

My Remora Nano took 2 weeks to start skimming and stop pumping out bubbles. I have read about the paper towel trick. I have also read about people making a small piece of plastic to cover the injector chamber. I plan on making the plastic cover to reduce the noise. The skimmer is soo loud right now.

As far as removing the bubbles, I have seen and read about the surface skimmer upgrade. This is supposed to eliminate the bubble too.

http://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/images/site_images/prefilter.jpg

http://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/images/site_images/prefilter.jpg

Anyone have photos of the inside of this filter box? I have an extra overflow box from an HOB siphon box that my powerhead fits into. Thinking I might be able to retrofit what I've got to do the same function.