AIO maintenance

JohnnyVan · Aug 10, 2018

I am very close to upgrading to a IM 40 AIO.
Can anyone tell me how often I will need to access the back of the tank to clean the sump?
I would imagine getting back there is difficult if I have the tank and stand set into a corner.

Regards,
jv

Zeal · Aug 10, 2018

Hi, I have the same tank. I made the mistake of leaving it up against a wall so its kinda hard to clean the "sump" but I can do it with a ladder lol.

I havent cleaned the back yet and Ive had it going since April. I have TONS of beneficial sponges back there so I dont want to touch it... All I do is clean the return pump every month and thats about it

ranchhand02 · Aug 10, 2018

I have a nano cube 28 gallon and all I do is siphon water from back there to pick up some of the detritus. You can also use a powerhead back there to keep it stirred up.

juniorrocketdad · Aug 10, 2018

I used to have a Red Sea max 30 gallon and the only cleaning of the back I did was spray a turkey Bastet to stir up the detritus before water changes. There was a lot f sponge and feather duster growth back there which was good as well.

The only problem I had with the aio style tank was when my six line wrasses jumped back there and it was litterally impossible to get him out. So he lived back there for the remainder of his life

Mattj815 · Aug 11, 2018

I also have the IM 40 set up and since April and also have not yet cleaned out the back. Im planning to soon though.

I had a little problem with gha but is starting to recede after starting gfo. I am seeing it in the back compartments though. But I figure as long as its back there I dont care, but imagining that cant be good either as it will probably spread.