Baffle height for 55g

[Trickdout69]

I'm pretty new to this but I want to make a three chamber sump with a refug in the middle I have a good idea how to do it I just not sure how tall to make the baffles. I was going to space the bubble traps 2" apart I'm running a Laguna 2900 pump on a 210 with dial overflow. Any info would be great or maybe even a diagram. Thank you

 

[Eric B]

There is no set height to make the baffles and is totally dependent on how much water you want in each of the chambers, how you want it to flow and the size of each chamber. I always draw mine out on paper with the tank dimensions so that I can see how it will look and make any necessary changes, but just remember to leave enough room for water drain back from power outages.

 

[Trickdout69]

Oh how do I figure that out. The tank is empty and I will have to build the sump before I can fill it so how will I know how much water will return to the sump?

 

[Eric B]

No just be sure to not make the baffles go all the way to the top of the sump so that water can fill that area......Just looked and rough dimensions for a 55 are 48x12.75x21 (LxWxH). If it is 21" tall then the tallest baffle I would do is around 16-18" tall, but that is just my opinion because out of all the sumps I have built I can't remember 2 being the same. First chamber I would make 18" tall then the middle chamber height will be based on the height of your bubble trap area which I would probably make 16" tall if you just want a basic 3 chamber sump. All 3 pieces for the bubble trap area can be the exact same and you can either space the middle one higher or I have also seen the outside 2 spaced higher but it is really all up to you, but that will give you some drain back room from your display tank.

 

[Pappy]

Baffle hight for 55g

I would make refugieum all the way to top on one side, return in center, skimmer on other side (baffles depend on recommended water depth for skimmer on this side). Also make sure you don't fill all the chambers to top as when you turn off return pump there will be overflow from dt.