Are Compartmented Sumps Necessary?

[Dom]

I'm rebuilding a 125. I'm thinking about removing the baffles in the sump and just leaving it wide open.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Dom

 

[blaxsun]

You definitely need a compartment or chamber for the return pump, and having a baffle where you can insert a sponge to prevent stray fish, snails (etc.) from entering is always a good idea.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I would agree-- intakes on return pumps can of course be powerful, and the use of sponge (as a barrier) will be your friend. So at least 1 separate compartment, divided off from the main sump. Best wishes.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I'm rebuilding a 125. I'm thinking about removing the baffles in the sump and just leaving it wide open.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Dom

I like having one baffle for skimmer level control, but also have a 55 gallon sump on a tank with no baffles. An ato float valve keeps the level steady. Imo, it depends on the equipment used in the sump.

 

[Dom]

I like having one baffle for skimmer level control, but also have a 55 gallon sump on a tank with no baffles. An ato float valve keeps the level steady. Imo, it depends on the equipment used in the sump.

The only issue I can see with no compartments is that you can't control the flow or the order in which the water flows through equipment.

Typically, I place my skimmer after the refugium. But without any baffles, its more of a free for all.

 

[Dom]

I would agree-- intakes on return pumps can of course be powerful, and the use of sponge (as a barrier) will be your friend. So at least 1 separate compartment, divided off from the main sump. Best wishes.

Yes, this crossed my mind. I thought I could get away with a filter sponge attachment on the intake. But I do like the idea of a separate compartment.

 

[ReefGeezer]

I put a lot of live rock rubble and live sand in my sump. I like that to be divided from the return pump. Since I use a less that exceptional internal skimmer, the water level needs to be very stable also. So... Bay 1: Live rock & sand... Bay 2: Skimmer... and Bay 3: Return & ATO Sensor. Just my preference though. Many configurations work.

 

[icedgxe]

I don’t the it’s a necessity. I ran the sump on my 125g without a baffle. It was a standard 75g tank. Put the skimmer on the right side near the drain lines and the return all the way to the left side and had no issues. You will want a stand for your skimmer to ensure it’s at the proper water height though.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

The only issue I can see with no compartments is that you can't control the flow or the order in which the water flows through equipment.

Typically, I place my skimmer after the refugium. But without any baffles, its more of a free for all.

True. I don't go that far into it myself. My fuge on the sump with a baffle is a basket of chaeto right next to the skimmer. It grows good, so I haven't changed the design. Sumps for me are more to hide the equipment.