are baffles the glass pieces siliconed into the sump tank

[highhopes592003]

I was reading the stick newbie corner. It said people use baffles to keep down on the microbubbles blowing back into your tank. I have this problem with micro bubbles and am trying to come up with a plan here lol. Just dont know what it is or how to do it. I saw that I should have powerheads and a smaller sump but that isnt what the tank has so thought if I could Id try and solve the microbubble issue. Sure do thank ya all bunches.

If i fix the microbubble problem should I still get powerheads?

Also can microbubbles be dangerous ?

[pkirby]

powerheads are used to circulate water in the aquarium. Water circulation keeps diatrus suspended in the tank so it can be filtered out... a powerhead isn't going to affect microbubbles... but you're correct, baffles in a sump can help trap the micro bubbles in your sump before they make it back into the display. Basically, you build a wall that goes from the bottom of the tank up to whatever your desired height is. Then you have a second wall that is taller than the first, but does not reach the bottom of the tank. Finally, you have a third wall which determines the height of the next chamber. Search around on here for some sump designs, seeing some pictures people have posted may help explain what I'm trying to describe on how a bubble trap works.

finally, I am not sure why you think you should have a smaller sump? 20 gallons is on the small size for a 100 gallon display tank.

[napier02]

when you add the baffles it may increase the water level in your sump and there may not be enough volume to handle the overflow from you tank. You can test this by turning off your return and seeing if your sump overflows. This may mean you need a bigger sump.

[Lynnmw1208]

yes baffles prevent bubbles. Take a look here for ideas http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

[highhopes592003]

Awe sorry I was reading the sticky on sumps I believe it was and said a smaller pump and using powerheads would make it so you dont have microbubbles. It dont take much to confuse me and its really hard to tell if it really said that or thats the way I took it lol. I notice I make things harder than they really are once I ask a question and I dont mean too. I just have so many microbubbles its bothersome to see in the tank. Just bugs me and was hoping to fix it is all. Thats the only reason I said about the smaller pump but glad. you clarified that for me cause just shows me I better go back n read agian lol. Thanks so much. Cant wait to find pics of these sumps.

[highhopes592003]

When I have the water at its highest Id ever want it in my sump while the powers on and then turn the power off it drains back down into the sump tank to the rim of the sump tank but doesnt overflow. Its close but the water does stay in the tank. I wonder now if I would need a bigger sump tank cause the baffles would take some room and just could easily have a flood. Maybe I oughta just be appreciative of what I have and deal with the micro bubbles cause me drilling a bigger sump tank wouldnt be a good mix lol. Ive helped build barns put in septics but this would be so technical for me alone. I only helped my dad on them jobs lol. Guessin I wasnt thinking about the flooding possibility and sure do thank you for letting me know that before I went and did something stupid. Guessin Ill just have to study this idea really well.

[pkirby]

Building a sump should be easy... You don't have to drill the sump tank if you are afraid of it... The biggest thing is the baffles to trap bubbles... All you need for that is a tank, plate glass that's the dimensions you require, and some silicone to seal it all together. If you are close to the rim now, I'd seriously consider picking up a used 29 gallon tank on craigslist and turning it into a sump. I bought one for mine for $25, so you can get them cheap.

Also, with the smaller size, a smaller size pump could help maybe, but not a smaller size sump.

Good luck!

[highhopes592003]

Im not sure how Id get a bigger sump without drilling it cause the one I have is drilled at the bottom and the pipe goes straight out to the pump. I may have that figured out. I have a ole neighbor and her husband owns a machine and tool so hoping they would know how to drill in one for me or know who to send me too. Ive made lots of wood projects but shoo glass ya know. I dont know if I could run the pipe up and over the side of the tank and back down the outter side to the pump or not. That would save me from the drilling of a new sump Im guessin if I could get away with doing that. Wonder if that would work