Do i really need them in my sump and what purpose do they serve.... im getting ready to start a sump with just a skimmer and heater and return pump. are they neccessary for this?
Most likely you will need them. People use baffles for 2 main reasons.
1. To seperate area's IE a sump/fuge a baffle to keep the sand out of the sump area.
2. To help reduce bubbles. This is the biggie, most skimmers produce many tiny little micro bubbles. A series of baffles will help let these bubble rise to the surface and not be returned to the main tank.