chris.francis14
Member
If I were to build a sump without a fuge in it, would there be any need for baffles? Could I just put a 30 gallon in my stand and place the skimmer and the return pump in it?
Sump with no baffles
- Thread starter chris.francis14
- Start date
I initially installed the 3 baffles to trap the microbubbles but when I turned on the system there werre no bubbles wither forom the overflow or discharged fromn the skimmer. [700gph thru the overflow (beananimal design) and an Octopus 200 skimmer].Good thing I didn't need the three baffles because I needed as much room as possible for the return section to include the drain back from the 125 gallon display during power down (29g sump). Jim
jb61264
New member
IMHO, its just a good idea to go ahead and put the baffles in as you never know if you're going to have microbubbles until you have your system running. I use the silent/failsafe overflow design as well...I do get just a little bit of bubbles (not "micro" like skimmers produce) because I am running a Mag 18 for my return and I get a bit of flow down the secondary pipe in the design...but honestly, a simple over/under two baffle design would take care of that...then of course you have to consider if your skimmer is going to produce any...the current one I have doesn't but I may upgrade in the near future and its nice to know I have the over/under/over three baffle design in there 
soonerfan12
New member
I have a 20L sump/fuge under my 90 and I don't us any baffles. I run an asm g3 skimmer and a nag 18 return with live rock rubble all mixed in and baskets of floating cheato and I don't have a proble
with the skimmer or micro bubbles. I just use a float valve connected toy ro system thta keeps the whole sump pretty steady. Just my 2cents
with the skimmer or micro bubbles. I just use a float valve connected toy ro system thta keeps the whole sump pretty steady. Just my 2cents
soonerfan12
New member
Wow sry iPhone keyboard = lots of spelling mistakes
pmcadams
New member
You can, but you may regret it later. If your skimmer decides to go into overdrive for some reason, you can get a lot of micro bubbles in the DT. I found it distracting and annoying in my first reef and built a new sump with baffles just to get rid of the bubbles in the return.
I was unaware that some skimmers require a constant water level. Mine has no such requirement. You will need to check your skimmer requirements to determine if that's true for you or not.
I was unaware that some skimmers require a constant water level. Mine has no such requirement. You will need to check your skimmer requirements to determine if that's true for you or not.
gspgretchen
New member
I put a 10g tank in my 55g sump. LR and sand in it. A piece of egg crate keeps macro algae from return pump
frankpayne32
New member
This would only apply if there was no ATO system in place. I do not use baffles in my 55 gallon sump for my 125 gallon display. I have no microbubble problems and my protein skimmer works well. But I do have an ATO system.
frankpayne32
New member
Great idea! I'm going to steal it!
hoffy02
New member
you care to elaborate?? literally just set it in there with eggcrate on top of it? I only ask because I was just considering the same idea...
gspgretchen
New member
FishNFun
New member
I use a 40B as my sump with one baffle to create a constant level chamber for my skimmer. The distance from the baffle to the return (opposite ends) is such that any micro bubbles dissipate before getting to the return pump. Plus, it allows any suspended particles to settle out so I can easily vacuum them up.
Just use your ato to control the water level and LR to intercept the bubbles.
uncleof6
Active member
Constant water level means constant water level, not a 1/2" flucuation, or 1/8" flucuation; a constant water level. The only way to do that is with a baffle. No matter how cleverly you think the ATO is designed, the water level will flucuate, and the more the ATO cycles the sooner it will fail... Also LR has no place or function in a sump. It is a complete waste, doing just the same thing as bio-balls of days gone by— anyone want to fill their sump with bio-balls? I have NEVER run across a system that was suffering from so little rock, that more was needed in the sump...Many have so much rock in the DT that it inhibits good circulation....
SGT_York
New member
Get at least one baffle for sure. Two more would be preferred.
They are super easy to install and difficult to get wrong. Just go with 1/4" acrylic for any baffles that will hold any weight (difference in water height) for the other baffles you can get by with hardly any thickness at all. Of course larger width tanks will need more.
LR won't help the bubbles as it doesn't stop water movement at all just redirects the flow, you need either a filter or a bubble trap to stop the bubbles.
Also Don't use an ATO that constantly cycles it wears out the electrical connectors and pumps, use a timer or controller, Good timers are only $20 bucks and they can come on and off multiple times a day for just a few minutes each. They will also protect against the pump running dry (since it only runs for a few minutes)
They are super easy to install and difficult to get wrong. Just go with 1/4" acrylic for any baffles that will hold any weight (difference in water height) for the other baffles you can get by with hardly any thickness at all. Of course larger width tanks will need more.
LR won't help the bubbles as it doesn't stop water movement at all just redirects the flow, you need either a filter or a bubble trap to stop the bubbles.
Also Don't use an ATO that constantly cycles it wears out the electrical connectors and pumps, use a timer or controller, Good timers are only $20 bucks and they can come on and off multiple times a day for just a few minutes each. They will also protect against the pump running dry (since it only runs for a few minutes)
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