Will this sump work?

submersible · 03/09/2010, 08:22 PM

I have a 40 breeder that I want to use for a sump. I have a problem with microbubbles right now, and want to get rid of them. Should I add any baffles between the skimmer and return pump? Will this design work, or is there a better one?

Thanks!

bertoni · 03/09/2010, 08:26 PM

Skimmers generally need a baffled area to generate the correct water depth. Also, the baffles would help prevent the skimmer pump from running dry.

submersible · 03/09/2010, 08:39 PM

My current sump is a 55 gal. and is designed like the sump below, but I get a ton of microbubbles. Should I just use the design below, and make a bubble-tower/trap? Or use the first design, and add baffles after the skimmer?

Also, I have a ATO to maintain water level, but don't know if that should not be relied on for skimmer water level.

Tonynlo · 03/09/2010, 08:43 PM

You probably have too much flow if you are getting micro bubbles with that design.

bertoni · 03/09/2010, 09:59 PM

I don't think a new sump is likely to solve your problems if the current one isn't working. There must be something wrong somewhere.

submersible · 03/10/2010, 07:44 PM

The problems that I have with the current sump are, its 13" wide. 1000 gph through that tiny area sends the bubbles right through. The 40 breeder is 18" wide. Not alot wider, but it should help. I can throttle the pump back, but currently is my only source of flow, so I need all I can get. Also, the drains from the display go directly into the sump, with a 90° at the waterline. Not much to prevent bubbles. Want to avoid using a sock if possible. I read about several people not using baffles in their sumps, except to designate a fuge. I guess I need to add powerheads, and turn down the flow.

bertoni · 03/11/2010, 03:14 PM

I agree that the flow is very high. 120 gph would be fine for a sump.

03/09/2010, 08:26 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Skimmers generally need a baffled area to generate the correct water depth. Also, the baffles would help prevent the skimmer pump from running dry. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

03/09/2010, 09:59 PM	#5
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I don't think a new sump is likely to solve your problems if the current one isn't working. There must be something wrong somewhere. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

03/11/2010, 03:14 PM	#7
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I agree that the flow is very high. 120 gph would be fine for a sump. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

03/09/2010, 08:43 PM	#4
Tonynlo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Spencerport, NY Posts: 535	You probably have too much flow if you are getting micro bubbles with that design.

03/10/2010, 07:44 PM	#6
submersible Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brandon, FL Posts: 317	The problems that I have with the current sump are, its 13" wide. 1000 gph through that tiny area sends the bubbles right through. The 40 breeder is 18" wide. Not alot wider, but it should help. I can throttle the pump back, but currently is my only source of flow, so I need all I can get. Also, the drains from the display go directly into the sump, with a 90° at the waterline. Not much to prevent bubbles. Want to avoid using a sock if possible. I read about several people not using baffles in their sumps, except to designate a fuge. I guess I need to add powerheads, and turn down the flow.