USING THE ADJUSTABLE BAFFLES
Most closed reef systems employ the use of a protein skimmer in their sumps. Every protein
skimmer manufacturer, and model, recommend a different optimum water height for it to run
in, which may cause problems with conventional fixed baffle glass sumps.
One way is for the manufacturer or tank builder to take an average sump running height of
say 200mm, but with recommendations varying between 150mm and 250mm or more, for
some makes and models this average can be far from ideal.
eaProSumps employ a clever system of moveable height baffles, enabling the user to set the
baffle height in the sump to exactly what their skimmer model needs for best performance.
By employing the same methodology in the second sump chamber, water level can be raised
there too, to best accommodate filters, reactors or algae refugiums, and raised either single or
in tandem, the water volume in the sump can be increased and set by the user.
Adjusting the height
To raise the adjustable baffles simply slide them up, firmly, by hand. To make sure they
stay in place simply tighten the plastic nuts and bolts by hand. Don’t overtighten as they will
break. To lower the baffles simply slide them down and again tighten the nuts and bolts.
Left or right?
Every eaProSump comes complete with two blue acrylic baffles and these can be fitted either
on the left or right of the glass partitions.
What height to set it at?
The eaPro Sump is designed so that at its lowest setting, water depth in the (first) skimmer
chamber will be 190mm. Vertical height adjustment from 190-250mm water depth should
accommodate every sump based, home aquarium protein skimmer on the market, and
skimmer manufacturers should state the optimum water depth in their literature. The right
water level will mean the skimmer can produce the maximum amount of bubbles for the least
effort, meaning more efficient skimming.
When is a baffle too high?
Baffle height adjustment is an advanced reefkeeping feature, a certain amount of experience,
knowledge and common sense is assumed by the user. If the baffles are moved up to their
highest position and a high water flow-through is used water may back up, risking flooding.
If both baffles are operated at their highest position and large sump based skimmers and
reactors are used, the system must first be power-cut tested, to ensure it won’t flood. Not
only will the sump be holding more water before the power-cut, it will then also receive more
water from the weir above, and from the skimmer and reactor bodies as they empty.
All users should fully flood test their sumps by turning off all power after any baffle height
adjustment.
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