baffles

[daharley]

From the info I have found it seems that baffles in a sump/ refugium are there to avoid bubbles in tank. Does that mean they are necessary only if you can't avoid the bubbles?

 

 

 

[Glenn]

IMO, baffles also help you regulate the volume of water in the separate cells. If you have a skimmer in the sump, and it needs a certain water height to work properly, a baffle will maintain the constant water level.

[srd4080]

+1 to what Glenn said. The baffles do help regulate the volume in both the sump itself and the refugium.

[John]

Not necessary. If you need to control the water level of the sump, buy a larger sump and then you'll be able to keep the water level higher in the sump and not have to worry about overflow in case of a power outage (surge). I've always found baffles to be in the way when working in the sump anyway. Personal preference is my opinion.

[Coral Hind]

^ I totally agree they are not needed. I haven't been baffled for years.

 

 

[hypertech]

I use a single baffle to ensure a steady water level for the skimmer. Otherwise, they aren't really needed. With a decent skimmer that doesn't unleash microbubbles and a good drain design like a herbie, there is no issue with bubbles.

[Mountaineer]

Another thought for controlling skimmer depth in water is to place the skimmer on a stand to get it to the proper depth.

[mogurnda]

I find baffles useful for a number of reasons, but not essential. As mentioned above, a baffle is good for maintaining water height at the right level for a skimmer. Also, baffles can provide places to mount stuff like ATO sensors, pH probes, etc. Since I have a fuge as part of my sump, they keep the macro in place. On the other hand, elaborate bubble traps seem a waste of space.

[daharley]

thanks for advice. I am setting up a 220 and using a sump for the first time. using 55 gallon for sump and will try some chaeto or something in it so I guess sump/ fuge. Was planning to have skimmer on stand.