Do sumps need baffles?

[celticsfan]

I can't afford to buy a custom sump and I really don't want to DIY, so could I just use a plain old 10g tank and put my skimmer, aquaclear, heater and return pump in it without baffles?

[mmelnick]

I have a 10gal w/ cheap baffles from home depot. Just get some plexi sheets. They have it in a size that doesn't even need cut 2 fit in a 10 but I can't remember what size.

[not_sponsored]

Baffles help keep the water level constant in your skimmer compartment, without a constant water level your skimmer level will also fluctuate and be impossible to dial in.

 

Like mmelnick said, acrylic can be found cheap at home depot or a scrap pile at a local plastics shop, less than $10 and a $3 tube of silicone and you'll have a much more efficient sump.

[Trapper125]

It is best have some sort of baffles. Your skimmer needs a constant water level to be dialed in correctly, also baffles help diffuse micro bubbles, and prevent them from being returned to your display. To do a simple sump there is very little work involved, some glass or acrylic and a tube of silicone... boom its done. Not really, but nearly that simple.

[celticsfan]

OK thanks. I didn't realize how simple it was

[bonsaidarrell]

OK thanks. I didn't realize how simple it was

 

Another option is to use some sort of container inside the tank that you plan to use, allowing that to overflow into the pump/return area. Here is a similar idea, taken to the next level:

 

http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_H...efugeBudget.htm

 

-Darrell

[stanlalee]

I have baffles for no othe reason if somehow the return stops draining (snail,blockage, siphon) with the baffles the return pump section runs dry after a gallon or so and the fuge area if you have one remains submerged. without baffles the return pump will drain the WHOLE sump which even if you have a small one means gallons of water overflowing out your tank.

[vangvace]

For more sump reading http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html