Does my sump really need baffles?

[LadyTang2]

I like having lots of rock in my sump and want one with the same vol as my DT (175g each total=350g). I was thinking of just buying a plastic box and using it as a sump. People talk about bubble traps but with a box that large would bubble trap even do much? what else could a baffle do for me with this large a volume?

 

[mrpizzaface]

I have a feeling you will be ok

 

[AZMSGT]

The purpose of sump walls and baffles is to direct water through filtration stages, then to return cleaner water to your tank. If there is nothing to provide the water with a direction much of the water in the sump won’t get filtered. Baffles will allow you to create different levels in the sump. The different levels can be set for a particular skimmer water height, or section for rock.

If you don’t create flow or direction in your sump section you’ll waste allot of energy and achieve very little filtration.

 

[Pntbll687]

I would run one single baffle before the return pump, just to keep a consistent water height for a skimmer if running one.

Another thing to consider is evaporation and your ato. If you don't have any baffles it will take until the entire sump level drops to activate the ato. If you have single baffle by the return, the ato won't have to pump as much water. If you're going as big as you say, the ato could be pumping gallons of water to adjust the water height just a little bit.

 

[biecacka]

I see plenty of people using large stock tanks as sumps with no baffles. Have the return lines on the opposite end of the return pump and I think you’ll be fine.

corey

 

[Reefer40b]

You do not need any baffles if you choose not too just depends how you wish to run your system. If you use reactors for media, running sponges, filter socks doing a refugium etc.

 

[madweazl]

A single baffle or some other method to keep one chamber separated from the rest to maintain water level for a sensor/float for an ATO would be the only thing I'd consider must. The water level across a 175g tub may allow for significant salinity fluctuations before an ATO turns on or off. A simple PVC fitting that overflows into another small tank where you monitor the water level should suffice for that though.

 

[DaneGer21]

I use zero baffles in my 40b “sump”. No issues, all the crap settles out just fine. ATO is unaffected.

 

[S2G]

No you dont need them

 

[joseserrano]

in a water volume that big, you will have significant swings in salinity if you are using an ATO.

 

[DaneGer21]

in a water volume that big, you will have significant swings in salinity if you are using an ATO.

How?

 

[joseserrano]

How?

its just a large volume of water, for any ATO sensor we currently have, water level has to drop to engage it. By the time the ATO is tripped off, a few gallons min will have evaporated. more than likely more than a few.

 

[madweazl]

How?

To simplify, the salinity of a 40g aquarium wouldnt change much if the water level dropped by 1mm because the surface area is small however, if the surface changed by 1mm across a 175g aquarium, the results would be significant.

 

[WVNed]

My ATO senses water in a 100 gallon stock tank. I don't have any problems.

 

[joseserrano]

arguing one does not see/experience any issues does not really pair what most of us are trying to do in this hobby. We are shooting for consistency, to derive the best growth and color out of our inhabitants. Having salinity swings that are large kinda defeat one the main purposes of having an ATO, and take away from the consistency most are chasing. Not just the consistency of salinity, but all the other elements that will fluctuate when a large amount of RODI water is dumped into a tank.

 

[WVNed]

I am not arguing. I don't have any issues. It works fine. I have a 400 gallon system and use a 100 gallon stock tank as a sump. The ATO works fine. It adds about 4-5 gallons a day but not all at once. Because the system is bigger the percentage change is proportional. You don't get big swings.

 

[DaneGer21]

I’m not arguing either, but my ATO is rock solid. Even monitored via my apex.

 

[BLANKOA]

I would run one single baffle before the return pump, just to keep a consistent water height for a skimmer if running one.

Another thing to consider is evaporation and your ato. If you don't have any baffles it will take until the entire sump level drops to activate the ato. If you have single baffle by the return, the ato won't have to pump as much water. If you're going as big as you say, the ato could be pumping gallons of water to adjust the water height just a little bit.

? what else could a baffle do for me with this large a volume?

 

[S2G]

I am not arguing. I don't have any issues. It works fine. I have a 400 gallon system and use a 100 gallon stock tank as a sump. The ATO works fine. It adds about 4-5 gallons a day but not all at once. Because the system is bigger the percentage change is proportional. You don't get big swings.

I’m not arguing either, but my ATO is rock solid. Even monitored via my apex.

Same no significant swings

 

[myzislow]

Not needed. The only "filtering" a sump would do with baffles in place would be if you implemented a mechanical sponge in between baffles to trap particles. Another reason for baffles would be to have different flow zones within the sump, for a refugium etc.

All you need is a good ATO to keep water level consistent for your skimmer, and maybe run a filter sock to aid in some mechanical filtration if deemed necessary.

I've ran my sump baffleless for 10 years. All I have is a 40g breeder with a big skimmer (relative to my tank size),a reliable tunzee ATO, a floating santa Monica algae scrubber and every once in awhile I'll run a filter sock when I Turkey baste my rocks to catch excessive detritus.

For me a sump isn't really a "fliter", but rather a vessel to house equipment and add extra water volume to the system.