Sump Baffles

[krazykrakr2186]

I have started designing the sump for my 180gal build. The sump is a 100gal 5' long tank I am having some problems deciding on where the baffles need to be placed. I think I am trying to make it much more complicated than it really is so any help will be appreciated. The design that I am looking at is: mechanical/natural filtration --> Skimmer --> Refugium --> Return.
I had some glass panes cut that are all 14" high. I was going to put bubble traps in between each section but was having some problems figuring out how high the baffles need to be placed/staggered..

again any help is welcomed

Thanks.

[jroescher]

I would think you only need a bubble trap on the section where your return pump is. Any bubbles in the other sections would not have an effect.

I always thought in the past that I would space my baffles in a bubble trap far enough apart to drop a maxi-jet in between to be able to drain between them. Being able to clean in between them has been an issue. But I've decided that I'm going to cut the bottom corner off of one of the baffles so the water will drain out when I do a water change. I do water changes by draining my sump and replacing with clean water.

I'm using a 2x4 as a spacer while I silicone them in place. So the distance between the baffles will about 1 5/8 inch.

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[aquasport24]

You can also use CD case to get your gap. I have one bubble trap at the drain section and one at the return section. Your last pane will be your return water level if you don't know that already.

[krazykrakr2186]

I think my problems are the water levels and how they're affected by where the baffles are placed. should the first chamber have the highest water level and the rest of the sections gradually get lower?

[aquasport24]

All at the same level except for the return section in mine .

[FireWater]

In order to get a constant level in an area make sure water flows over that section, not under. Only area that this will apply greatly is where your skimmer is located. I would have a minimum of one bubble trap right before the return pump.

[krazykrakr2186]

I've done a little research but the results vary. how do you think the bubble traps should be done? Should the water flow: (under-over-under) or (over-under-over)

[aquasport24]

Over Under Over

[krazykrakr2186]

sounds good.