If you want to eliminate microbubbles from splashing water coming into the sump, just have the overflow water come into the sump through a 200 micron mesh filter sock.
I am experimenting with removing my 100 micron socks from my 465 gallon tank's sump, and what I have done is install PVC pipe on the two inlet bulkheads that goes under the water level of the sump, which reduces splashing and microbubble production a lot.
For protein skimmer microbubbles (if that is an issue), I always have the skimmer output pointing upstream in the skimmer section, meaning back towards where water enters the sump. Alternately, you can also have the skimmer output go through a 200 micron mesh sock as well.
A foam piece in the baffle will work, but you better make sure you rinse it all the time, as that can raise the skimmer section water level as it clogs and make regulating your skimmer operation a PIA. Mesh socks work better for this, IMO, as the 200 micron size will not clog for a long time.
Finally, another strategy is to position your return pump intake as far away from the water path as possible, letting the microbubbles pop before they get there. And you may also consider throttling back your return pump a bit, as an excessive flow rate through in the sump can cause microbubble issues as well. A sump does not have to be high flow to be very successful.
The longer you can make the water path through the sump, whether a physical path or a slower water current, the less bubbles you will return to the DT.
I have what I would call a low-moderate flow rate through my 465 gallon tank sump, but I have a ton of in-tank flow from the Vortechs I use. Not saying you are doing this, but I don't think anyone should count on their return pump for high volume in-tank circulation. Not the main purpose of the return pump, IMO.
and I wasn't aware of the matrix otherwise he could take a bucket that is missing around my mess hehehe! Hope to see it working soon Josh!
