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Unread 01/24/2007, 10:18 AM   #1
wojo
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What is this crap in my sump? (PICS)

I was wondering why i had to change my 100 micron filter sock twice a week. i got tired of it and stopped using the sock. this stuff started appearning on the bottom of my sump. its everywhere and this morning i woke up only to notice that my return pump was not working. i took it apart and this stuff was everywere, the impeller was totally stuck and not turning. very bad!

can you please take a look at these pics and let me know what it is? is it as simple as fish poop? its brownish. the strange thing is its not in main tank, only in my sump.

thanks.










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Unread 01/24/2007, 10:24 AM   #2
reef10
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It is calicum that is comming out of the water. I run my pumps in a mix of ~.5 vingar and ~.5 water for an hour or so to clean them.

lucas


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Unread 01/24/2007, 11:32 AM   #3
wojo
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calicum? why is it only in my sump, my main tank is crystal clear.

thanks


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Current Tank Info: 75g Reef, 100lbs LR, 20g Sump/Fuge, (2)250W 12k Reeflux MHs, (2)110W Actinic VHOs, Dosing DIY 2-part w/ Aquamedic Twin Doser, all controlled by ReefKeeper2
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Unread 01/24/2007, 11:49 AM   #4
Ron Popeil
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i think it looks more like a detritus buildup. just a natural layer of bacteria, organic material and minute organisms. probably some calclium deposits in there too.

its not bad, its just sort of what happens. some hot water and a something abrasive will wipe it off easily. and diluted vinegar solution will do wonders if there is any remaining calcium...


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Unread 01/24/2007, 12:04 PM   #5
wojo
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can i stop it? its just weird that its never in my tank but it builds up in the sump.


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Current Tank Info: 75g Reef, 100lbs LR, 20g Sump/Fuge, (2)250W 12k Reeflux MHs, (2)110W Actinic VHOs, Dosing DIY 2-part w/ Aquamedic Twin Doser, all controlled by ReefKeeper2
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Unread 01/24/2007, 12:28 PM   #6
lpkirby
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It is detritus and maybe some clcium build up. Just keep your flow up and clean your pumps every now and then. Its better to be in your sump than the display. just suck it out if it sits in a spot and your skimmer will help as well.


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Unread 01/24/2007, 12:48 PM   #7
Hop
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It's just stuff I get it too. It's nothing that routine maintenance shouldn't clean up. I completely drain my sump at water changes and wipe it down. Then I clean my pumps every six to eight months. It's nothing much to worry about. It settles in my skimmer, sump fuge pump and pipes.


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Unread 01/24/2007, 01:21 PM   #8
wojo
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ok i was worried there for a bit, thanks guys. i just wasnt sure that it would cause my mag9 to stop working i guess i know now


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Current Tank Info: 75g Reef, 100lbs LR, 20g Sump/Fuge, (2)250W 12k Reeflux MHs, (2)110W Actinic VHOs, Dosing DIY 2-part w/ Aquamedic Twin Doser, all controlled by ReefKeeper2
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Unread 01/24/2007, 07:38 PM   #9
reef10
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Yes it will stop a pump eventually. Most of the time the pump will not restart after being turned off for some other reason. Some pumps are more prone to it than others. My seio 820 is very bad about that. As for why in the sump and not in the main: I think flow is better, cleanup crew is better, sand (if you have it) would hide it, etc. My sump is devoid of cleanup crew and I do not have a dedicated pump for flow.


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Unread 01/24/2007, 08:13 PM   #10
McCrary
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I have the same thing in my sump, I have been wondering about it for some time.


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