Can someone explain baffling?

Being the owner of an AIO tank, I've never really had to worry about running a sump under the DT or anything like that.

My problem is, I have a protein skimmer that doesn't fit in the 1st chamber of my biocube 14 (only chamber where water level is constant). It fits in the second chamber, however the water level falls as the day goes by due to evaporation.

I'm aware I can solve this by getting an ATO, however I was also told I could baffle my second chamber so that the water level stays constant there too. What does this mean and would this actually work? If so, how would I go about doing it?

TIA

 

You already have a divider between chambers 2 & 3. To create a baffle, you can simply block off the bottom and mod the top into an overflow. However, I do see a couple of issues with that.

1) The water would simply flow across the surface of chamber 2 on it's way from one baffle to the other, leaving a dead zone for detritus to collect at the bottom.

2) That would make chamber 3 the only place where the water level would drop from evaporation and you run the risk of running the return pump dry without an ATO.

Personally, I think you would be fine without a skimmer in a system that small. If you do choose to use one, I suggest either getting one that fits chamber 1, or installing an ATO.

 

I don't own an AIO myself but just reading Mr. Bills post and his concern with a dead spot to trap detritus seems like it could be a problem. I don't know how much room there is in chamber 3, but an idea would be to block the top of chamber 2 instead of bottom then add a second baffle 1/2" or so into chamber 3 to create a bubble trap. The height of the new second baffle would set the height of water in chamber 2. Again I don't have one so not sure how much room you have in 3rd chamber.

 

Addressing point 1 and 2:
1)I put the stock biocube pump in chamber 2 to add increased flow for my chaeto, so there are no dead spots. (I use a maxijet 1200 for return)

2) As is, chamber 3 drops as chamber 2 drops. so the risk is always there. (you'd be surprised at what Oceanic suggests as the recommended water level for the biocube. you're supposed to leave about 2-3" of water in chamber 2 and 3 to create a "waterfall" from chamber 1 to 2 for bioballs. I just fill the whole thing up with chaeto in number 2.)

I find the protein skimmer highly useful as I keep some NPS in the tank so heavy feedings are a must, along with perfect water chemistry. Otherwise I'd agree and not run it.

I've thought about an ATO but the cost for a float valve kills me.

 

I love my jbj ato in chamber 3, I wouldn't run the tank without it anymore, but I curious if you can find a baffle solution.