Clean Up Crew for Sump

[ruppertb]

Whats a good method to help reduce and remove detritus build up in the sump.

I have a filter sock and change it weekly. I skim fairly wet. But I have 8 sections to my sump, and thought about powerheads but thats alot of wasted electricity.

What about snails? Only concern would them getting into drain pipes from tank to tank. Maybe if I go with snails I can get these http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4082

 

[k2parkstar]

good question i'm tagging along

 

[Just Jared]

You can use mesh screen thats big enough to keep the snails in...but not clog up! Snails eat mostly algae. Nassarius would be a good snail fo detritus but require a sand bed. IMO power heads would be better!! You wouldnt need alot of flow just enough to keep all of it in suspention.

 

[ruppertb]

Ya the issue I didnt think of when I just redid my sup in the basement, was I have the drain from upstairs feed my frag tank and fuge and skimmer tank. Only the skimmer tank has a sock, I for-see lots of detritus in the fuge and frag tanks in time

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

Is your frag tank bare bottom? Detritus in your fuge will feed copods so that is a good thing. IMO a powerhead in the sump is your best option or a turkey baster and some manual labor.

 

[florida reef]

Is your frag tank bare bottom? Detritus in your fuge will feed copods so that is a good thing. IMO a powerhead in the sump is your best option or a turkey baster and some manual labor.

Agreed.

 

[Spaceman Spliff]

Try a 100 micron sock and change it every 2 to 3 days. I use 100 micron socks and my sump is spotless. I put my mesh sock on when I am travelling and someone else is tending to my tank and I can tell a big difference in the trash build up in my sump. And I am assuming you are using a mesh sock as my 100 micron sock would be overflowing if I left it for a week

 

[ruppertb]

its a 200 micron sock thats all i know, and it is very dirty, but doesnt overflow, maybe the water flow is too strong ans is pushing everything through the sock.

and yes the frag is bare bottom

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

Ok I'm assuming the frag racks are elevated so a small pump blowing under it will keep stuff stirred up plus it will feed the frags. Keeping detritus stirred up will keep the system healthy plus your wallet by feeding your corals more. Twice a week I take a turkey baster and stir up my sump, blow off my live rock of anything that settles and stir the top layer of my sand bed and my corals love it. I probably need to do it more often. If I would break down and buy a power head for the sump it would be easier. This I just what I do and maybe it give you a idea to help your tank.