sump baffles

[Capt_Cully]

At the terminal end of a sump, going into the "return" chamber, I employ baffles primarily to trap, reduce, eliminate bubbles.

In the past I've used 3 with an "Over, Under, Over" configuration.

Who does the opposite?
Anyone use 4 baffles? Better? Regret it?

Thanks!

 

[Jacwil]

FYI...I still have your old sump and haven't touched it. If you need back, it's yours..well literally

 

[reefman5511]

I do the opposite - under, over, under. I feel it gives any bubbles more time to break & you diminish the chances of bubbles forming in the return chamber from falling over the last baffle.

 

[diverdick]

IMO, the number is less important than the space between them. Keeping the flow rate/velocity down will help with the bubble ellimination. Higher rates/velocity are more likely to cary microbubbles through to the return.

I think the under / over / under will also help with splashing of water right before the pump return

 

[jacksonpt]

FWIW, I use a single baffle (over) and have no issues with bubbles.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Classically the over under over creates a bubble trap, it doesn't eliminate them. It traps them under the "under" panel. Then the ones that make it through to the next "over", are kept up high away from return pump's intake.

I have no experience with the other way around. Any pics or further description?

Thanks!

 

[Capt_Cully]

Just re-watched the vid on that massive 2400 gallon system from Vegas. That sump runs 4 baffles with the, Under Over Under Over, config, as part of a massive bubble reduction process.

Decisions, decisions......

 

[toddmh]

can you link that vid Cully ??

 

[pascal32]

I was under the belief that (1) bubbles want to go up and water goes down which holds bubbles from passing through the first under (agree with flow rate as a factor) and (2) when crossing over the "over" the water with remaining bubbles is pushed up encouraging bubbles to release

Please correct mr if I'm wrong

 

[Capt_Cully]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2011354

About 1/2 way through the video they describe the sump.

I don't know Pascal, all I can say is, the way I did it traps the bubbles. But I'm leaning toward the 4 baffle system like the one in the link.

 

[NirvanaFan]

I've only made one sump, but I went with the over, under, over method.

 

[cardiffgiant]

IMO, the number is less important than the space between them.

Having tried lots of baffles 1" apart, and less baffles several inches apart, I fully agree

 

[naprestsleep]

I just used one and get some bubbles but none seem to make it to the display.

 

[Grenade Glass]

I've only made one sump, but I went with the over, under, over method.

ditto, although next time I do it, ill make the baffles a bit further apart.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Having tried lots of baffles 1" apart, and less baffles several inches apart, I fully agree

Can you clarify? Is 1" good? Or are you advocating larger gaps between the baffles? Thanks!

 

[NirvanaFan]

Larger gaps are better. With 1" gaps, the very small bubbles aren't buoyant enough. They get sucked down and under the baffle.

 

[Capt_Cully]

So what would be a good space you think? This section of of the sump wont be getting the full flow of the entire system. 1.5"? 2"?

Thanks

 

[NirvanaFan]

how many GPH are you going to be putting through your sump? And what are the dimensions of your sump?

 

[Capt_Cully]

Its two 29 gallon tanks running essentially end to end so its only 12 inches wide. Flow will be around 1200 GPH, BUT maybe 30-40 % will be bypassing these baffles to reduce flow through the refugium, which is the chamber preceding the return chamber. So I'm guessing maybe 700-800 will be going through baffles.

 

[NirvanaFan]

I'm pushing 400gph through my 29g sump with baffles spaced 2" apart. I have zero problems with microbubbles. I'd suggest you go 2.5" apart and getting another opinion.