How often do you have to access your sump?

[ScubaSkeets]

Hi folks!
Still trying to figure out this sump thing. I am considering putting my sump on the floor behind my DT. Where I want the tank and the way the DT and walls of the room are situated, accessing the sump is doable, but I wouldn't want to do it all the time.
So, I was wondering after everything is up and running, how often should I plan on actually having to access the sump?
I realize that sumps are the way to go, especially on a 125g reef tank, but I'm still considering going with a Fluval FX6 canister, if I am going to have to access that sump more than once a week.
Thanks!
Ed

 

[lapin]

You will need to empty the skimmer cup or have it drain into something

 

[Philly Reefer]

If you are using filter socks.. at the start of your tank, you can probably do once a week. But after your tank mature and has more fishes. You'll need to change the socks every 3/4 days.

Same situation with the Skimmer. If you tuned it right, you can probably get it to once a week.

So yes. You will need access to your sump

 

[jeffrey750750]

My darn hands are always in the sump for filter socks, carbon changing, staring at refugium and skimmer

 

[theMeat]

The easier the access the better. Twice a week if you have socks, once if skimmer. Add to that the unknown, reactors, auto top off, etc.
Definitely a better way to go than a canister

 

[Chayo]

Always sumpthing in the reef

 

[Sailingeric]

I check my sump daily- ATO water lever, skimmer cup, water level in sump

 

[disdareef]

I’m in my sump all the time. Adjusting something. Changing something. That’s the point of a hobby. To enjoy it and have something to do.

 

[krash7172]

For me, daily until I was confident. Then twice weekly until tank matured and now about once weekly. Lots of variables.

 

[X-37B]

24/7/365
I still dont have doors on my sump after 1.5 years, lol.
I just prefer the open design but most dont, unless they have a fish room.
Change sock and skimmer cup twice a week.
I run a carx so I can just look at the effluent and tell if my dkh is where it needs to be.
Also easy to see my bubble rate as I run no ph probe or controller.
Super easy to work in if needed.
Also no baffles.

 

[living_tribunal]

Hi folks!
Still trying to figure out this sump thing. I am considering putting my sump on the floor behind my DT. Where I want the tank and the way the DT and walls of the room are situated, accessing the sump is doable, but I wouldn't want to do it all the time.
So, I was wondering after everything is up and running, how often should I plan on actually having to access the sump?
I realize that sumps are the way to go, especially on a 125g reef tank, but I'm still considering going with a Fluval FX6 canister, if I am going to have to access that sump more than once a week.
Thanks!
Ed

Every day. Definitely put the sump somewhere you can easily access it at any time. You’ll add and remove stuff all the time as you progress. You won’t want it to be a hassle to do so any time you make changes.

 

[Auquanut]

I monitor my sump at least once daily. I change socks and clean my skimmer cup every 3 days. Carbon gets changed on it's own schedule. The fuge gets cleaned and/or harvested when needed. Then there's maintenance of the equipment in the sump. I like to know that my ATO is functioning properly, and a quick glance can tell me if the level in the return section is low or if the water level is too high.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that most of us equate the performance of the sump with the general performance of the tank and monitor the sump regularly to ensure nothing is out of whack before it affects the display. I'm not sure I would be comfortable with only checking up on the sump weekly.

You can absolutely use a canister filter instead of a sump. You just need to understand the differences between the two, and the limitations of that approach. I've never used a canister filter with a reef tank, so can't help there. There are others that have been very successful using canister filtration who can probably give better advice.

 

[AJI23]

Hi folks!
Still trying to figure out this sump thing. I am considering putting my sump on the floor behind my DT. Where I want the tank and the way the DT and walls of the room are situated, accessing the sump is doable, but I wouldn't want to do it all the time.
So, I was wondering after everything is up and running, how often should I plan on actually having to access the sump?
I realize that sumps are the way to go, especially on a 125g reef tank, but I'm still considering going with a Fluval FX6 canister, if I am going to have to access that sump more than once a week.
Thanks!
Ed

I’m accessing my sump daily. If it’s not the skimmer cup then it’s the gfo carbon my filter sock. I’m alwAys in there and checking everything.

 

[dbowman5]

Scuba,
my sump is in the basement with full access and it is on a stand so it is at viewing height. nothing but the fuge light obstructs access on top either so it is easy to deal with the skimmer, heaters, and pumps. I know many reefers have their sumps out of sight, but the point of having your equipment in the sump is to enhance the look of the display. the sump needs to be maintained or the display appearance will suffer.

 

[Hermie]

super important to make maintenance as easy and accessible as possible for long term success, because there will be times where you may lose motivation and even the smallest things could keep you from doing maintenance

 

[driftin]

I check my sump daily to make sure water levels are OK. When I do a water change I check the other equipment in the sump, and it's also where I add my new salt water.

 

[rtparty]

Every day. If it isn't easy, you won't do it. I have learned this lesson one too many times...so maybe I haven't learned the lesson LOL

 

[Viking_Reefing]

I’m fortunate enough to have my sump in a separate fish room so most days I poke my head in and...look at stuff. It’s not that I have to but it’s part of the hobby for me.

Oh and forget about that canister. If you think accessing your sump is a pain because it has a weird placement, imagine having to clean out that canister ever other week or so.

 

[Carl C]

Hi folks!
Still trying to figure out this sump thing. I am considering putting my sump on the floor behind my DT. Where I want the tank and the way the DT and walls of the room are situated, accessing the sump is doable, but I wouldn't want to do it all the time.
So, I was wondering after everything is up and running, how often should I plan on actually having to access the sump?
I realize that sumps are the way to go, especially on a 125g reef tank, but I'm still considering going with a Fluval FX6 canister, if I am going to have to access that sump more than once a week.
Thanks!
Ed

I have a good size sump below my 150 cabinet; I was very close to putting it in my basement and have a bigger one ; I am glad it’s underneath , everything is at my fingertips and I probably open it 3/4 times a day just to peek at this or that

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

You definitely need easy access, also plan on spills and the occasional Leak. If you are going to put it in your cabinet, get a rubber shower pan liner from Lowe’s or H. D. Use snaps or turn buckles to hold it up. Also I’d get a battery operated water alarm.