Sump Baffle Clips

Sump Baffle Clip: What It Is and How to Size One

Published July 23, 2026 · 6 min read

A sump baffle clip is a U shaped channel that holds a baffle panel in place inside a sump. You glue the clip to the sump floor or wall, then slide a flat panel down into the channel. The clip keeps the panel standing square instead of leaning or drifting while the glue cures.

This guide covers what a baffle does, how to size a clip to your panel, how to install one with aquarium silicone, and where a clip is different from a full pre-cut baffle kit.

What does a sump baffle do?

A baffle is a flat panel that splits a sump into separate chambers. Water moves from one chamber to the next by flowing over or under each baffle. It does not just slosh around in one open box. That staged flow is what lets a sump give return-pump splash, filter socks, a refugium, and a skimmer their own space.

The baffle panel itself is usually glass or acrylic, cut to the height of your sump. Our clip is not the panel. It is the U shaped channel that holds the panel upright and square once it is in place.

What is the spacing for sump baffles?

This depends on your sump's own chamber layout, not on our clip. Baffle spacing is a plumbing choice. It ties to your sump's size, your return pump's flow, and how many chambers you want. We do not publish one spacing number that fits every build.

What our clip does is simple. It holds whatever panel you put in it square at that spot. Plan your chamber spacing first, based on your own sump layout. Then use a clip at each spot where a panel needs to stand.

How to silicone sump baffles in place

Gluing a baffle clip in is a short job. Aquarium safe silicone is the only glue to use, since it is rated for submerged use and will not leach anything into your water.

Clean and dry the spot on the sump floor or wall where the clip goes. Glue needs a clean, dry surface to bond.
Run a bead of aquarium silicone on the back of the clip.
Press the clip into place and hold it square for a moment.
Let the silicone cure fully before you add water. Check your silicone's own cure time, since brands vary.
Once cured, slide your baffle panel down into the channel from the top.

What material is used for sump baffles?

The panel itself is almost always glass or acrylic, cut to match the glass or acrylic your sump is built from. Our clip is printed in PETG, the material aquarium keepers have used submerged for years.

We do not sell the panel. You bring glass or acrylic sheet you already have, or have a local shop cut a piece to size.

Sizing your clip to your panel

Sump panels are usually cut from 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch glass or acrylic, so we make a clip for each. We also make a corner version, for a panel that lands where two sump walls meet instead of flat against one wall.

Panel thickness	About how thick in mm	Clip
1/4 inch panel	6.35mm	Straight clip, or the corner clip for a panel in a corner
3/8 inch panel	9.53mm	Straight clip

These are our own clip's channel widths, cut to the two panel thicknesses most sumps use. Sheet glass and acrylic often run a little thinner than the size on the label, and most sumps are built by hand, so measure your actual panel and check the fit before you glue anything down.

A clip is not a full baffle kit

Some sellers offer a full pre-cut baffle kit, sized to a specific sump brand or gallon count, with the panels already included. That is a different product than what we sell.

We sell the clip only. You supply the panel, whether that is glass or acrylic you already have on hand or a piece you get cut to size. If you are looking for a complete pre-cut panel set for a specific sump, that is not what a TankRig baffle clip is.

Frequently asked questions

What does a sump baffle do?+

A baffle is a flat panel that splits a sump into separate chambers, so water moves through in stages instead of sloshing in one open box. A baffle clip is the U shaped channel that holds that panel square.

How do I silicone sump baffles in place?+

Clean and dry the spot first, run a bead of aquarium safe silicone on the back of the clip, press it in place, and let it cure fully before adding water. Then slide your panel down into the channel.

What is the spacing for sump baffles?+

Spacing depends on your own sump layout and chamber plan, not on our clip. The clip holds a panel square wherever you place it. Plan your chambers first, then use a clip at each spot a panel needs to stand.

What material is used for sump baffles?+

The panel is almost always glass or acrylic, matched to your sump's own material. Our clip is printed in PETG. We do not sell the panel itself.

Is a baffle clip the same as a baffle kit?+

No. A baffle kit usually includes pre-cut panels sized to a specific sump. Our clip is the channel that holds a panel you already have or cut yourself. It does not include a panel.

How many baffle clips do I need?+

Most sumps need more than one. Plan on a clip at each end of every panel, so the whole panel stays supported and square.

A note on safety

We print every part in PETG. It is the material aquarium keepers have used submerged for years. We cannot promise how any part performs in your tank. You know your tank and your animals best, so the call is always yours. Rinse each part in clean water before you add it to your tank.