Modify Existing Baffles

[goody]

I purchased this used sump due to its size and to go with my eventual tank upgrade. It is 48x 20x 20 with
First chamber: 20 x 15.5 (includes 12x15.5 skimmer area and 8x15.5 for drain and 2 filter socks)
Middle chamber: 20 x 17 wanted to have this as refugium
Third chamber: 20 x 8 return.

I started using it back in March when COVID forced me to bring home my classroom tank and start up a 90g display.

The way the baffles are installed, they keep the water level about 1.5 inches from the top of the entire length of sump until return section. I really would like to have the water level in the middle section lower just for more room for water in case a power outage and more water agitation.

Is there a way I can modify these baffles w/o damaging the sump. If so, is it just the two baffles in the middle section that would need modifying? I'm thinking I can probably cut them down, but I've never worked with acrylic and probably don't have tools/bits to do this. I can also probably cut "slits" or drill holes at the height I want in the baffles, but again not sure if tools/bits and speed.

In the photos, the water is not as high as it would normally be. I'm not even having water go to 3rd section that will eventually be my real return section.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Evening @goody

If I understand correctly you want the water level lower than it is so if power goes out it does not go over the black baffles, not the sump itself? That is what you mean about the length of the sump?

If I am correct, the way the water line is in the left chamber shown in the picture on the right really can’t be lowered. If you follow the flow of water thru the baffles from left to right, the first black baffle diverts the flow underneath where it is then turned up and over the center baffle. That center baffle is setting your water line height in the chamber on the left. You would have to remove a baffle on either side of the center one to get to that one to modify it. The black baffle is also going to be used as a safety backup. It acts as a spillover. Should something block that flow underneath the first baffle the chamber will fill up and spill over the top.

It looks like a big sump. You should be able to use your return chamber water level and size of the sump to adjust for holding the needed backsiphon in a power outage situation . I hope that helps

 

[goody]

I have to bring this thread back up because I'm still looking to adjust water level in sump. I'm okay with the level in first chamber- I will put my skimmer on a stand, but I want that middle section for my refugium to have a lower water level. Would cutting down the 2 baffles in the middle chamber and the last baffle in the return lower the water level in those sections of the sump? Can I have the return baffle lower than the refugium baffles?

 

[goody]

Need to bump this up again because I finally have the sump online with a new 80g build. I did end up cutting the 2 middle section baffles (refugium) and the very last baffle even shorter (return). I would like to get a bigger trickle of water in the refugium and return sections so if I cut the baffles noted in my wonderful drawing shorter would that create what I'm,m trying to achieve?