Cleaning of your sump

[pscott99]

Since a sump is often on floor level you cannot obtain normal suction for cleaning. How is everyone getting rid of detritus in the corners of your sump or cleaning out your fuge. Is a turkey baster the only way ?? How about your ideas for keeping your sumps clean everyone ?

 

[fishguy597]

I use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner with out the filter to suck all the dirt out.

 

[Enavas]

I had a drain made into my sump with a valve so that when I need to drain it, I just hook up the drain into a pump and pump it out. I no longer have this tank though.

 

[coralreefdoc]

One of the most underrated, and often overlooked aspects of a system, in regards to equipment, is powerful powerhead(s) located in the sump. Not only does it keep detritus suspended to be filtered/skimmed it

 

[Shells4]

i also have used a wet/dry vacuum with success. I have however ordered a small power head to try to prevent the need for such drastic cleaning.

 

[joekidwell]

I just sucked mine out today with a hose and siphon at floor level its tricky but it can be done...I swallowed some saltwater

 

[yardboy]

I use a Python venturi siphon for my sump with the shorter hose since I have a utility sink right next to my sump. The 50' hose would work from my kitchen sink. Lasts longer than a wet/dry vacuum sucking salt water (I know, I killed one that way) and more convenient than a powerhead (I keep it rolled up under the sink)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

How is everyone getting rid of detritus in the corners of your sump or cleaning out your fuge.

I don't. I let mine accumulate a nice thick layer of mud. It is about 1/4" or so now in my sumps, and I can't see the bottom of my rock-filled refugia where it is probably worse since the flow is less.

 

[pscott99]

I don't. I let mine accumulate a nice thick layer of mud. It is about 1/4" or so now in my sumps, and I can't see the bottom of my rock-filled refugia where it is probably worse since the flow is less.

Randy you do bring a smile to my day. :lol2:
So are you saying this detritus is old dead matter not increasing PO4 or nitrate ? Have you ever put it to your chemistry testing forte.


I also found a battery powered wet vac made for cleaning out fresh water gravel beds. I may try the long hose suck method per joekidwell but salt water tends to not go down to well I have found also. Good ideas everyone.

 

[psykobowler]

I wouldn't be in this hobby without a python hose. You don't need gravity. It suck all the crud when turned on directly to the sink. It was $25 at walmart.

 

[Squidmotron]

One of the most underrated, and often overlooked aspects of a system, in regards to equipment, is powerful powerhead(s) located in the sump. Not only does it keep detritus suspended to be filtered/skimmed it

That is a good idea. Can't believe I was too dumb to think of that.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Randy you do bring a smile to my day. :lol2:
So are you saying this detritus is old dead matter not increasing PO4 or nitrate ? Have you ever put it to your chemistry testing forte.

It probably does contribute to nutrients, but my tank apparently has adequate export methods that I do not need to worry about it.

 

[jhentr]

Mines is on the ground too and I use the primitive siphon pumps I find at the autopart store. The one that comes with a bulb for siphoning gas/liquid, etc. It works pretty well into a 5 gallon bucket. The suction power isn't all that though since there isn't much gravity involved.

 

[TucanSam007]

This is a good question. So would it be beneficial to throw in one of my extra koralia's in the sump/fuge?

 

[fishpoop]

I blast mine with a turkey baster weekly, along with my live rock in the display, just before doing a water change.

 

[10reefman]

I use an old canister filter just for this purpose

 

[pscott99]

I use an old canister filter just for this purpose

What type of canister filter. How do you get suction going. What media do you put in it.

 

[10reefman]

eheim 2213 with a sponge, i put the drain hose in the sump and suck on the returne wait until full and turn on the filter.

 

[chrisd1009]

one of the most underrated, and often overlooked aspects of a system, in regards to equipment, is powerful powerhead(s) located in the sump. Not only does it keep detritus suspended to be filtered/skimmed it

+1

 

[ChrisKirkland]

I use a filter sock on my inlet to the sump so if any I get very little amount of detritus when it does get bad I just us my python to clean it out. (once a year).