So, let's say you were building a sump...

[Six2seven]

I think the lesson learned here is.. We realized another use for an ato lol

 

[zigginit]

I think the lesson learned here is.. We realized another use for an ato lol

so true I cant believe I went years without one. just had a aqua lifter on a timer to approximate it. finally made a true float switch and its been gravy since

 

[Coelli]

I do have an ATO and plan to switch it over to the new tank and put it in the return section. So what I'm getting is there's not really a consensus on whether the 3rd baffle is absolutely necessary and everyone does this differently. But if I do use only two baffles it would have been better to go over-under than under-over.

Maybe I'll just get the third piece replaced today. Man, so tired of errands!

 

[Goober]

It's hard to say without seeing your actual setup, the amount of "flow" into your return pump pump. Height of water plays a factor also

 

[Coelli]

It's hard to say without seeing your actual setup, the amount of "flow" into your return pump pump. Height of water plays a factor also

Right, I haven't seen my actual setup yet either. :lol: It's a 65g with a Reef Octopus 110-INT and a Jebao DC6000. 1" drain, 3/4" return. Not plumbed yet but skimmer needs 7-8" and I was planning for about 7" in the middle (return) and 10" tall fuge (end) with the return teed off to overflow the fuge into the return section.

 

[Goober]

If you wanna pick up an acrylic sump. I have a 36x16x17? Sitting here with your name on it I'll give to you. It's collecting dust in my garage

 

[Goober]

Has all baffles in the right places

 

[Coelli]

Has all baffles in the right places

Oh man, thank you SO much but I think it's too big for my stand (one of the challenges I was facing when I wound up having to go the DIY route). The length would be okay but it's too wide to go in through front or back and just a little too wide to go through the side. That's really awesome of you to offer though.

(I'm going off the rough sketch of the stand, don't have it yet... If it turns out it *does* fit I'll be crawling back. )

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Over under over doesn't make any sense because the third baffle is just like having the first baffle. It should actually be under over under. the last baffle should be under in any scenario.

Had lots of different sumps with different types of baffles. The best setup I've used so far is over under over. Not saying the opposite doesn't work, but the over under over always works best in my sump.

 

[Coelli]

So, quick update... Instead of going back to Lowe's I stopped at OSH today to get a new baffle and whaddya know, they have and cut double-pane glass! It's still not super thick, but better than the stuff Lowe's has. I had the guy cut all new baffles and wound up with a spare too and it was $20 total. He did a better job cutting, too. Took out the two baffles from last night and started over. It will be over-under-over as originally planned.