Sump

[Jaws]

Is there any real design you have to follow for building a sump or can you just use a fish tank or a big rubbermaid tote container from say Home Depot?

[Aquattro]

you can use any container, but you will likely want a baffle system to eliminate air bubbles from travelling back to the tank.

[Jaws]

What do you mean "baffle system"?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Jaws

What do you mean "baffle system"?

Just a series of baffles in the sump that the water goes under and over to dissapate the bubbles.

[Bartman]

Originally Posted by reef_raf

you can use any container, but you will likely want a baffle system to eliminate air bubbles from travelling back to the tank.

Why are bubbles an issue? Just unsightly or some other problem

[Aquattro]

Unsightly and reputed to bother coral polyps. They will also cause a greater amount of salt spray on the lighting.