How to remove dietrus from sump?

[paparchasa84]

I know there will be some in the sump but during my water changes i try to get as much out as possible. But for whatever reason with my gravel cleaner it wont pick up the dietrus. Which i think is a culprit to my nitrates being at 5 ppm. How do you guys clean the sump to get it free of dietrus. Its even in the fuge area? Thanks

 

[visuvius]

Yeah good question, I wonder the same thing. I have some debris in my Refugium section under my chaeto, then I also have some random detritus and debris in the return area where I have a bunch of pumps. None if it is really easy to get to and I don't even know how to get a siphon started what with the sump being so low.

I'm guessing there's no really easy way to get rid of it properly, probably have to kind of take things apart a little.

 

[pledosophy]

Wet dry shop vac.

 

[JohnoL]

I use a small canister filter to suck the detritus out.

 

[Josh_84]

I run a powerhead in my sump to keep it from settling. That way the skimmer can pick it up instead.

 

[malawinovice]

Bucket head shop vac is the answer. It attaches to the top off bucket. $22. Home depot or lowes.

 

[swcc]

yeah shop vac. what you can do is keep the return running siphon the tank till most water is out of the sump then turn off return and suck out detritus without too much water.

 

[Allentown]

Since i use a cannister and no sump, i can completely clean mine out in about 30 seconds, and do so about every 45-60 days.

Score one for cannister over sump. LOL

 

[gowingsgo]

Wet dry shop vac is what I use

 

[clown-t]

i bought a small utility pump from Lowes.

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

I use the bulkhead or shop vac for the sump during water changes, but I am considering switching to a canister filter so I can clean it up between water changes and also get the dt.

What canister filter are you using and is it easy to clean?

 

[GuvNa H2o]

I turn off all my pumps except for a powerhead in my main tank for aeration and breaking the water surface. After this I add another powerhead in my sump to lift the detritus up from the floor, add a my carbon filter and allow it to sit there for an hour or so until the water in the sump is clear. I then turn the pumps back on leave my carbon filter running and take it out by the end of the night.

Works for me and keeps my sump clean. I do this about once a month.

 

[paparchasa84]

ok what size wet vac do you guys consider is a good size that isnt too big? Or what size canister filter would you guys use?

 

[strictlySPS]

I use a maxi jet (that i had laying around) with a 5/8 tube connected on the input and a 3/4 tube connected on the output that drained into a small filter sock back in the sump. Worked great for me.

 

[denny crain]

I use a maxi jet (that i had laying around) with a 5/8 tube connected on the input and a 3/4 tube connected on the output that drained into a small filter sock back in the sump. Worked great for me.

Same thing I do. Easier than carrying a shop vac from the garage, plus who knows whats on my vac hose.

 

[cherubfish pair]

ok what size wet vac do you guys consider is a good size that isnt too big? Or what size canister filter would you guys use?

+1 what canister filter?

 

[swcc]

I use a maxi jet (that i had laying around) with a 5/8 tube connected on the input and a 3/4 tube connected on the output that drained into a small filter sock back in the sump. Worked great for me.

that is a great idea. I keep forgetting to do this, I have a pump, tubing and filter socks. My old man brain has me dragging the shop vac in from the garage..LOL.

 

[gone fishin]

I have an old magnum 350 cannister filter I use. the hose works great for getting into the baffles and corners. I also use it sometimes after water changes to help polish the water if needed.

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

I have an old magnum 350 cannister filter I use. the hose works great for getting into the baffles and corners. I also use it sometimes after water changes to help polish the water if needed.

Tony, How easy is the magnum 350 to clean? I used to have one and can't remember if it was easy or not.

For canister filters, the Marineland Magnum 350 or the Eheim Classic are well regarded and can be had for $90-125.

For shop vacuums, you might go with a $20 buckethead from Home Depot or Lowe's. It fits on top of a 5 gallon bucket. It will work great for finishing off a sump during a water change but it probably draws too much water to use between water changes or in the dt.

 

[cherubfish pair]

Can someone find a link to a buckethead for online purchase? Amazon or other? Longways from a Lowe's or HD.