Will this simple sump design work.

[MoshJosh]

Given space constraints and the material I will be using I wont really be able to use "bubble trap" style baffles, will have to use a single baffle for each chamber. Given should I do one "under" and one "over" baffle or is having water flow over both baffles in a staircase fashion OK?

 

[bradreef]

I think you would be better off without the left baffle and creating a bubble trap on the right. Like this. But, it depends on what you plan to have in the large area. I just think the worst thing you could have is a skimmer or other thing pumping bubbles into the return pump and display.

 

[piranhaman00]

I dropped baffles 2 or 3 sumps ago, would never go back

 

[bradreef]

I dropped baffles 2 or 3 sumps ago, would never go back

Do you use mesh baffles or anything? Is there a good distance to the return pump?

 

[piranhaman00]

Do you use mesh baffles or anything? Is there a good distance to the return pump?

Nothing just an empty glass tank. I put returns on opposite ends from the drains

 

[twentyleagues]

yeah it really depends on what you are doing in the areas you have baffles. If the skimmer is far enough away from return or one of the newer designed ones that produce little to no micro bubbles out of it there wouldnt be a need for a bubble trap.

 

[MrGisonni]

I run my drain into a filter sock and have my skimmer, some bio blocks a small denitrification chamber and a micro UV all in a 7 gallon sump on my 30 gallon mixed reef. I kept it really simple.

 

[TX_REEF]

I'd recommend baffles at very least one for the return chamber, otherwise there is always a chance of flooding your display. Preventing bubbles into the display is a good effect as well, but avoidance of flooding is the #1 practical purpose of baffles.