55 gallon sump... Baffle Spacing?

[Mr Cob]

What's the consensus on baffle spacing for bubble traps in a sump?

I'll be switching my current sump to a 55gallon tank and I was thinking of putting the baffles 2" apart. Is that enough/not enough?

My return pump is a MAG 18 and I have two drains from the main display (144g).

Thanks.

[jroescher]

Next time... I'm going to space my baffles far enough apart to drop a pump in between so that i can drain and clean between the baffles. I have a big crack in one of mine from forcing my hand between them to retrieve something.

I would think the distance between them isn't an issue, it's the space below the middle baffle that determines the flow capacity. And then it's water going over the top of the baffles that strips the bubbles off.

[Mr Cob]

Exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Thanks, John.

So what's standard on the space below? I totally forgot about that space.

[hobogato]

i always did a 1" space under the middle baffle on the sumps i made

[FireWater]

One more tidbit for you. When I had my baffles brand new they were flat across the top (square edge) which is fine. I went on a mission to quiet down my tank down and Ace told me to sand the edges round - made a huge difference in the water sound going over the baffles.

[Mr Cob]

Would have never thought of that...definitely something worth doing before dropping water in the thing. Thanks.