Sump Maintenance Question

jdm01 · 01/07/2008, 05:18 AM

After about 2 years of running with the current sump set up I am beginning to see some buildup of what is probably detritus on the floor of the sump. Should I siphon this out or leave it. There appear to be some small creatures swimming around down there - probably "pods". Also, I have heard some people say that they wash their macroalgae from time to time. Is this really a good idea? If so, is it as simple as rinsing it out in a bucket of salt water?

Avi · 01/07/2008, 06:57 AM

By cleaning out the bottom of your sump..if you use a Python or similar gadget, for example...you will be dispensing with some of the "pods" that are beneficial to your reefs system. But, many will survive by sheltering in the Chaeto. They'll recover their numbers pretty quickly.

joe 09 · 01/07/2008, 07:32 AM

every time i do a water change i siphon the bottom of the sump.this will help keep down the rates.

rustybucket145 · 01/07/2008, 08:16 AM

I'd just stir it up, I keep my sump/fuge high flow to keep the particles suspended. If they're suspended it gives you skimmer and macro a chance to consume and/or remove the nutrients.

SaltyDr · 01/07/2008, 11:15 AM

You can use a wet dry vac to clean out your sump.

jdm01 · 01/07/2008, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the advice.

01/07/2008, 05:18 AM	#1
jdm01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Greenfield Posts: 904	Sump Maintenance Question After about 2 years of running with the current sump set up I am beginning to see some buildup of what is probably detritus on the floor of the sump. Should I siphon this out or leave it. There appear to be some small creatures swimming around down there - probably "pods". Also, I have heard some people say that they wash their macroalgae from time to time. Is this really a good idea? If so, is it as simple as rinsing it out in a bucket of salt water? __________________ John Martin Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon BioCube

01/07/2008, 06:57 AM	#2
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	By cleaning out the bottom of your sump..if you use a Python or similar gadget, for example...you will be dispensing with some of the "pods" that are beneficial to your reefs system. But, many will survive by sheltering in the Chaeto. They'll recover their numbers pretty quickly. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

01/07/2008, 08:16 AM	#4
rustybucket145 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: valdosta, ga Posts: 3,707	I'd just stir it up, I keep my sump/fuge high flow to keep the particles suspended. If they're suspended it gives you skimmer and macro a chance to consume and/or remove the nutrients. __________________ 400gals of various tanks in the same system. Current Tank Info: 2 175w MH, 2 VH0 Actinics, Lots of Live Rock, tons of copepods, a Fat Mandarin Goby, Niger Trigger, Yellow Tang, Falco Hawkfish, Bi-Color Pseudo, numerous soft, SPS and LPS Corals

01/07/2008, 05:33 PM	#6
jdm01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Greenfield Posts: 904	Thanks for the advice. __________________ John Martin Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon BioCube

01/07/2008, 07:32 AM	#3
joe 09 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: holbrook li Posts: 126	every time i do a water change i siphon the bottom of the sump.this will help keep down the rates.

01/07/2008, 11:15 AM	#5
SaltyDr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 1,191	You can use a wet dry vac to clean out your sump.