Baffle Question

[nyhcx516x]

As I am setting these up, I have been reading some info that brings the question..
I am going to have 3 sections. 1st - feed from tank and skimmer, 2nd refuge, 3rd return to tank.
In between each section I was going to have 3 baffels, where the water flows over, under, over into the next section
Should I not install the last baffle? Is it better to have water flow into that chamber under a pane of glass. Would flowing over it just create more bubbles from a *waterfall* effect?

 

[al mc]

I have always used the three baffle set up. I do not get problems with the waterfall effect and it reduces the amount of microbubbles dramatically.

 

[waterlogged]

Not trying to steal your thread but when you do 3 baffles that are 1" apart, how do you silicone both sides of the baffle?

 

[nyhcx516x]

I just figured that out today!
I put masking tape on the outside of the tank where I wanted the baffle to sit and used that as a guide. Then before I put the glass in place, i laid a bead of silicone down, then set the glass into place on the bead, then laid another bead on the side facing out.

 

[robertmathern]

good job thats how it is done. When I did mine it was messy though

 

[nyhcx516x]

providing it passes the water test... I would say last nights baffle went in 100% perfect.

Looks decent, again, minus the fact that I accidently got black silicone... :/

 

[robertmathern]

lol I used clear but I was not neat about it

 

[nyhcx516x]

OK, last baffle going in tonight (provided my roomate gets home to lend a hand). Some dimensions...
Total running capacity will be *about* - 22 gallons
Total fuge area *about* - 10.5 gallons
I will have plenty of room for backflow in the event of a power outage. And yes, i know, i could have made it bigger if i made taller baffles... but I needed room for my skimmer, and some room to work in there... and its my first time, lol.

The worst part.... NO PICTURES. I dont have much for a camera... and im not sure when the girlfriend will be visiting- shes got one. Ill get someone over here with a camera and post some pics soon. I will be headed to visit the girlfriend this weekend in milwaukee, so no more work on it till sunday night.
... Anyone know some good LFS in milwaukee - or north, ill be in the grafton/cedarberg area??

 

[nyhcx516x]

Water test for the sump went well just now! Not that its a huge deal, but I was just checking to see how good of a job i did with the silicone... all the sections can hold water on their own without leaking into the other ones!