Reefer 350 baffles

[Craigwood]

In process of setting up my reefer 350.
Can I remove the sponge that sits between the baffles that acts as the bubble trap?
Was going to replace it with ceramic rings to assist with denitrification. Rather than have a sponge that will eventually end up a nitrate factory.

Absolutely no micro bubbles making their way back to main tank at the moment.
Thoughts?

 

[Payday]

Yup, I have seen some pictures where the sponge is removed and the marine pure ceramic plates cut to size and placed in that spot.

Check out this thread. Tons of options for the reefer series.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/show-off-and-discuss-your-red-sea-reefer-series.219309/