Keeping Sump Clean

customdusty · 02/12/2009, 09:51 PM

Not necessarily a problem, but something I continually am annoyed by is the build up of detritus in my sump. I alternate my water changes from cleaning the sump to cleaning the sand bed every two weeks - this way the sand bed gets cleaned once a month, and the sump gets cleaned once a month.

I use a wet/dry shop vac in the sump to suck out the remaining water and most of the detritus that builds up, then I wipe it clean, then add fresh saltwater. This process is a royal pain in the.... I can only do this after I have removed all of the pumps, skimmers, reactors, probes, etc. Major project.

Is there a way to prevent the detritus from building up in the sump so I don't have to go to such a great extent?

I have used different types of filter bags and media bags, but they don't seem to help.

Would placing like a Koralia 3 down in the sump to keep it from settling be worthwhile?

I'm sure a million people have fought this - what have people done to combat this problem?

SaltyDr · 02/12/2009, 09:54 PM

What about a filter sock on the water entering your sump. You have to clean it at least weekly, but this should cut down on detritus buildup.

customdusty · 02/12/2009, 10:19 PM

Yeah, tried that.

an411 · 02/12/2009, 11:03 PM

i think that you are personally going a little overkill. I think that stirring up the water in the sump and maybe once and a while scraping any algae in the sump is suffient. when you stir up the water siphon it out while doing a water change.

possys · 02/13/2009, 12:22 AM

I think so too. I ever use any filter sock or filter and clean my sump for years. All of my LPS SPS Invert and fish very healthy. My skimmer only work 4hrs a day mainly to keep my pH up to 8.0. in winter.

ZoaFan08 · 02/13/2009, 12:25 AM

I clean my sump every 4-6 months. I take out the heaters, chaeto, LR etc and use a wet vac to clean everything out.

02/12/2009, 09:51 PM	#1
customdusty Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Geneva, IL Posts: 1,095	Keeping Sump Clean Not necessarily a problem, but something I continually am annoyed by is the build up of detritus in my sump. I alternate my water changes from cleaning the sump to cleaning the sand bed every two weeks - this way the sand bed gets cleaned once a month, and the sump gets cleaned once a month. I use a wet/dry shop vac in the sump to suck out the remaining water and most of the detritus that builds up, then I wipe it clean, then add fresh saltwater. This process is a royal pain in the.... I can only do this after I have removed all of the pumps, skimmers, reactors, probes, etc. Major project. Is there a way to prevent the detritus from building up in the sump so I don't have to go to such a great extent? I have used different types of filter bags and media bags, but they don't seem to help. Would placing like a Koralia 3 down in the sump to keep it from settling be worthwhile? I'm sure a million people have fought this - what have people done to combat this problem? __________________ "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." --George W. Bush, Saginaw, Mich., Sept. 29, 2000 Current Tank Info: 105g Mixed Rimless Starphire by Miracles - Reefthreads.com "Noteworthy Tank" November 19, 2010 Podcast #13 - Sfiligoi Stealth 12x39 T5 - 2x Vortech MP40W - BK/Vertex Alpha Cone 200 - Neptue Apex - 2 Part - Tunze ATO - BRS 5 Stage RO/DI

02/12/2009, 10:19 PM	#3
customdusty Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Geneva, IL Posts: 1,095	Yeah, tried that. __________________ "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." --George W. Bush, Saginaw, Mich., Sept. 29, 2000 Current Tank Info: 105g Mixed Rimless Starphire by Miracles - Reefthreads.com "Noteworthy Tank" November 19, 2010 Podcast #13 - Sfiligoi Stealth 12x39 T5 - 2x Vortech MP40W - BK/Vertex Alpha Cone 200 - Neptue Apex - 2 Part - Tunze ATO - BRS 5 Stage RO/DI

02/12/2009, 09:54 PM	#2
SaltyDr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 1,191	What about a filter sock on the water entering your sump. You have to clean it at least weekly, but this should cut down on detritus buildup.

02/12/2009, 11:03 PM	#4
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	i think that you are personally going a little overkill. I think that stirring up the water in the sump and maybe once and a while scraping any algae in the sump is suffient. when you stir up the water siphon it out while doing a water change.

02/13/2009, 12:22 AM	#5
possys Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 188	I think so too. I ever use any filter sock or filter and clean my sump for years. All of my LPS SPS Invert and fish very healthy. My skimmer only work 4hrs a day mainly to keep my pH up to 8.0. in winter.

02/13/2009, 12:25 AM	#6
ZoaFan08 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alta Loma CA Posts: 1,211	I clean my sump every 4-6 months. I take out the heaters, chaeto, LR etc and use a wet vac to clean everything out.