How’s this OK? Dirty sump troubles

CoralsAddiction · Nov 15, 2020

I switched from an AIO to a sump build early this year. Doing so added another maintenance issue I didn’t have to bother with before. I’m considering either getting a new sump with two filter sock holders or switching back to AIO. Not really thrilled about having to deal with two dirty filter socks every week. It’s hard enough to keep a tank clean and who in the world has the time to clean a darn sump?
It’s a 40B with 20L DIY sump.

CollectOyster04 · Nov 15, 2020

Here's a thought... leave the socks out of the equation. Many run without. I may clean my sump 3 or 4 times a year at best without socks. If you can't find time a couple times a year, maybe you should rethink having the sump. Most sumps don't require much upkeep. Especially on a small tank.

Uncle99 · Nov 15, 2020

I change socks every 2-3 days, otherwise they plug and overflow and become ineffective.
Takes less than a minute to change.
After I use a dozen, in the wash, no soap, extra rinse, air dry.
A lot of benefits to the sump.

You must have had some type of block for particulate in the AIO.

vetteguy53081 · Nov 15, 2020

I love socks and what they entrap. Cleaning is as simple as dropping in the washing machine with no bleach or soap- just a 30 min warm cycle
OR YOU CAN SWITCH TO MECH TYPE WHICH YOU CAN CLEAN BY HAND IN ABOUT 1 minute

CoralsAddiction · Nov 15, 2020

Thanks for the suggestions. I threw away the filter sock and installed a Red Sea media basket with some filter floss from Petco. Also, the middle section of the sump is now breeding ground for bubble algae.

daybreaksky · Nov 16, 2020

better there than your tank. the idea is to make the light better for algae in the refugium part of the sump and basically turn it in to an algae reactor with some macros, thus keeping your display algae free. hopefully considering other factors.