Do I have to have baffles in a sump?

[LeanneP]

I have a 90 gallon tank that is not drilled that I am adding a sump to. I am using a 20 gallon tank and am just trying to figure out what I need to do for it. I have a HOB skimmer so I was planning to have it split in half as I will just have chaeto and some LR in the sump. Are baffles a must to stop the bubbles?

Leanne

[FitoPharmer]

I use a filter stock to stop bubbles in my sump. When I had a skimmer I just ran the outlet into the sock. Baffles can be used to stop bubbles or make partitions in your sump to stop your cheato or sand from getting sucked into your pump.

[Aquattro]

Baffles can keep a constant water level, pretty important for skimmer operation.

[sphelps]

No you don't but there are things you need to consider, ATO for one and overflow type is another.

[ScubaSteve]

My sump is too small the use baffles and still fit my skimmer and pumps. I just aim the outlet of my skimmer away from the return pump to minimize bubbles. Works well enough.

You can easily add in baffles later by putting EPDM foam tape (weather stripping) on the vertical edges of a piece of glass. Stick the piece in your sump and turn it to pressure fit in place. Let you customize the baffles and play around with the set up.

[Nizzmo]

this was a very informative post! + 1

[Maverick00]

I never bothered either, Kept skimmer outlet away from sump outlet and set the ato to suit the skimmer, worked great for me