Will Adding Baffles Reduce Microbubbles?

[monty]

Currently, i use a 55g tank as my sump, filled about 3/4. Between the return lines and my skimmer, i can see all the microbubbles, and even though my return pump isnt too close to them, they find a way to get sucked up. Question is, if i get some material and make a baffle system and keep my skimmer and two return lines going right into the first chamber, should this help my cause? Any input on the subject or design would be great.

[monty]

***by return lines i meant drain lines***

[Jim_S]

How much flow are you running through the sump?

In some cases micro bubbles can be eliminated with baffles, but if you have a lot of flow through your sump, baffles won't help. Often times just slowing the flow down through the sump will help eliminate the MB's.

Jim

[monty]

i have a mag9.5 powering my return pump, and the same on my skimmer. The two drains are both 1" - if possible, i would like to keep the flow as is to keep as much flow going in the tank...down the road, i actually wanted to put a stronger return pump in...but not any time soon.

[Jim_S]

Thats a lot of flow to be pushing through the sump. Way too much IMO.

I run about 800-900 gph TOTAL through my 50 gallon sump, and about 8500 gph in the display from my power heads.

I think your best bet would be to lower the flow on the 9'5 return, and add power heads or a CL to your display.

You could add the baffles to see if they'll work, but even with baffles, sumps with too much flow will give you MB's.

[monty]

appreciate your thoughts jimdogg - i think ill try baffles since it shouldnt be too hard for me to make them. might as well try it first before changing the overall operation of my tank

[Jim_S]

No prob, and good luck!

Maybe someone else can chime in with some more insight :)

Cheers,

Jim

[luke33]

I'd get a filter sock and try the baffles, it should help out alot imo.

[sjm817]

A filter sock on the drains will help a lot. If you want to try a baffle, just add a single baffle to divide the drain/skimmer area from the return to force the bubbles to the surface. Have the output of the skimmer as far from the return as you can and position it so the bubbles have to go back around the skimmer body if possible. Have the return intake as far away from the bubbles and as low in the sump as you can.

[monty]

sounds pretty good...as far as filter sock, any difference with whats good/whats not?

[sjm817]

100 micron are what most people use.