How do you clean out the algae in your drain section?

[Steve1500]

I have a 75G with a durso system and drain box. The algae is building up in the box and I can't get my hands in there to pick it out. I have tried using a turkey baster, stick, etc, but nothing can get a good grasp on the slimy stuff to pull it out. I have not tried a siphon because the tube would be too big to get down in there. Any suggestions on how to remove the algae from the drain section short of removing the plumbing?

 

[saltyhog]

First, I don't think there really is a need to remove it. Think of it as macroalgae in a refugium. If it's growing there and not in the DT that's a good thing. I have zero algae in the DT but abundant hair algae growing on the tops of my standpipes. You might be surprised how little algae there is lower in the overflow where light can't penetrate.

If your pipes are not glued in and your sump is adequately sized (it should be for safety reasons) just pull all the stand pipes and you should have room to get in there and clean it out. It's not really a big deal once you've done it.

 

[theMeat]

Cut off the light from getting in there and it won’t grow.
If your pipes are not glued in you can take them out to clean.
If your pipes are glued in you should fill it with sand. At least get some use out of that otherwise wasted space

 

[Super Fly]

If your pipes are glued in you should fill it with sand. At least get some use out of that otherwise wasted space

Sand?... can u explain please?

 

[theMeat]

Sand?... can u explain please?

Sure
Fill reef ready partition with sand up to about 3” or so below where water goes down the pipe. Gives you a dsb area that will remain untouched and undisturbed.

 

[Super Fly]

Sure
Fill reef ready partition with sand up to about 3” or so below where water goes down the pipe. Gives you a dsb area that will remain untouched and undisturbed.

not a bad idea.

 

[Mical]

I use these for many things - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BC7HL9R/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Deiblerj]

That is a pretty interesting idea. I never would have thought of that. I guess you just need to test it to make sure the water passes through enough that it won’t get backed up

 

[Super Fly]

That is a pretty interesting idea. I never would have thought of that. I guess you just need to test it to make sure the water passes through enough that it won’t get backed up

theMeat was referring to adding sand at bottom of overflow around the drain pipe, not inside the drain pipe.

 

[theMeat]

theMeat was referring to adding sand at bottom of overflow around the drain pipe, not inside the drain pipe.

Yup
Add 2-3 inches every week or two until you get to desired level

 

[saintsreturn]

I personally would not clean it unless it is out of control. Let it ride and grow there versus in your DT.

The sand idea is an interesting one. I do not know if this is something i would agree on as the area does not get a lot of flow and if you have to move the system it would be a PITA to get that sand out. just my .02$

 

[theMeat]

I personally would not clean it unless it is out of control. Let it ride and grow there versus in your DT.

The sand idea is an interesting one. I do not know if this is something i would agree on as the area does not get a lot of flow and if you have to move the system it would be a PITA to get that sand out. just my .02$

Turn off return pump and suck out sand with a shop vac. Easy.

Dsb works because if the sand is deep enough it cuts out flow. Dsb works best in low flow area

 

[saintsreturn]

Turn off return pump and suck out sand with a shop vac. Easy.

Dsb works because if the sand is deep enough it cuts out flow. Dsb works best in low flow area

Why do i always forget about the shop vac option?!?!? good call out. Does this method run the risk of a layer of detritus on the surface? lack of light an issue? I have never even seen this as a thought before and am incredibly intrigued by it. I like the idea of keeping my fish out of there, which never seems to happen for long LOL.

 

[theMeat]

It won’t necessarily keep the fish from jumping in there, but will make it easier to get them out.

Have done this on many rr tanks. If you’re looking for an area for dsb this IMO is ideal. Can even avoid the so called “old tank syndrome”, and the supposed deadly nitrogen gas bubbles in disturbed dsb. Just turn off return pump. Poke at dsb to disturb the bubbles. Let gas off for a few hours, turn back on return pump and done. No old tank syndrome, no large deadly bubbles than can be disturbed

 

[cracker]

I used a cut down plastic putty knife & affixed it to a stick, Scaped it all off the sides & siphoned it out.
Surely you can find some small diameter tubing that will fit down in there.

 

[lapin]

Try a baby bottle brush. Tape a stick to it if its not long enough. I get the ones that have a nipple brush on one end. It unscrews. I put rod in it and secure it with tape. Also works for hair algae on my rocks where I can not reach it.