Title: Removable Pressure Locking Sump Baffles
kittyj - January 24, 2008 03:19 PM (GMT)
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across an article on how to install removable baffles in your sump. I can't remember the website, but I had printed the instructions, so I thought I'd share.
The project is really easy (even I could do it), and it works like a charm. Best thing is that you can rearrange the baffles if you later decide to upgrade to a larger skimmer or pump.
Materials needed:
• Sheet(s) of ¼” acrylic. I used one sheet to make four baffles.
• Marine/Outdoor EPDM foam rubber weather stripping. Use EPDM only, because other materials may deteriorate in the water. I had the best luck with the wavy kind.
• Sump
• Table saw
• Sandpaper
Measure
1. Measure the INSIDE width of your sump and then subtract ¼ inch to determine the baffle width. Subtracting ¼ inch allows a clearance of 1/8” on each side of the baffle for the weather stripping.
2. Measure the height from the bottom of the sump (even for the “underflows”). The height of each baffle is a matter of personal preference.
Cut
1. I used a table saw to cut my baffles, but I’m sure there are other saws that can be used as well.
2. The underflows are a bit tricky. After the initial rectangle has been cut, it will be necessary to cut an additional rectangular section (centered) out of the bottom edge. The opening forces water to pass under the baffle, and the “legs” on each side provide support so that the baffle won’t inadvertently drop or be pressed into the bottom of the sump.
Apply EPDM and Install Baffles
1. Applying the weather stripping is like applying a sticker. For the overflows, put the stripping on the sides and the bottom. For the underflows, you can just put it on the sides.
2. To install the completed baffles into the sump, wet the inside of the sump and the sides of the weather stripping, angle the baffles, and tap them into place.
3. The seals will create a pressure lock to hold the baffles in place
Here is a picture of the sump that I used as my "inspiration". It's from melevsreef. He has several other sump designs on the site as well.
The project is really easy (even I could do it), and it works like a charm. Best thing is that you can rearrange the baffles if you later decide to upgrade to a larger skimmer or pump.
Materials needed:
• Sheet(s) of ¼” acrylic. I used one sheet to make four baffles.
• Marine/Outdoor EPDM foam rubber weather stripping. Use EPDM only, because other materials may deteriorate in the water. I had the best luck with the wavy kind.
• Sump
• Table saw
• Sandpaper
Measure
1. Measure the INSIDE width of your sump and then subtract ¼ inch to determine the baffle width. Subtracting ¼ inch allows a clearance of 1/8” on each side of the baffle for the weather stripping.
2. Measure the height from the bottom of the sump (even for the “underflows”). The height of each baffle is a matter of personal preference.
Cut
1. I used a table saw to cut my baffles, but I’m sure there are other saws that can be used as well.
2. The underflows are a bit tricky. After the initial rectangle has been cut, it will be necessary to cut an additional rectangular section (centered) out of the bottom edge. The opening forces water to pass under the baffle, and the “legs” on each side provide support so that the baffle won’t inadvertently drop or be pressed into the bottom of the sump.
Apply EPDM and Install Baffles
1. Applying the weather stripping is like applying a sticker. For the overflows, put the stripping on the sides and the bottom. For the underflows, you can just put it on the sides.
2. To install the completed baffles into the sump, wet the inside of the sump and the sides of the weather stripping, angle the baffles, and tap them into place.
3. The seals will create a pressure lock to hold the baffles in place
Here is a picture of the sump that I used as my "inspiration". It's from melevsreef. He has several other sump designs on the site as well.