How to vacuum/clean sump

[aaron186]

I have a lot of detritus in my sump I would like to clean up. I tried using a siphon vacuum like I do for water changes but I don’t have enough space for gravity to work. What do you guys use to clean the gunk off the bottom of the sump?

 

[tbrown]

Are you trying to do this with the return pump on?

 

[aaron186]

Are you trying to do this with the return pump on?

Not necessarily but whatever is easier. Ideally I want to take my return pump out to clean at same time.

 

[tbrown]

I use a smaller diameter rubber tubing and start a siphon by just putting it underwater, pinching it over to hold the water inside, and then putting the end in the bottom of the bucket. As long as the tubing ends is below the water level when you release it there should be siphon but the water has to be inside the whole tubing - no air.

If that makes sense.

 

[BOYERZ]

Link is not working.

Search Amazon mj1200 $20.

get some 1/2" silicone tubing.

Good to go.

 

[BuckChoklit]

I put a piece of tape to mark the current water level, scrape the glass and use my shop vac. Quickest way for me atleast and never an issue.

 

[aaron186]

Link is not working.

Search Amazon mj1200 $20.

get some 1/2" silicone tubing.

Good to go.

I have an mj1200. How do I use that to suck out detritus? Not sure I’m following

 

[JC1977]

The shop vac that attaches to the 5 gallon buckets is the ticket!

 

[boacvh]

For me is Shopvac for heavy duty and this below for corners and smaller spaces.

The 3D Printed Attachment Helps to Keep Sumps and Barebottoms Clean | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

The MJV from VCA aquatics is a purpose built aquarium tool that has one primary purpose in mind, which is to keep that swanky sump of yours crystal clean. This brings so much joy to our reefing soul…

reefbuilders.com

 

[Tomb85]

I shop vac it best purchase ever for cleaning sump out.

 

[BOYERZ]

I have an mj1200. How do I use that to suck out detritus? Not sure I’m following

Use the 1/2" tubing on the outlet of the pump to empty into a bucket during water changes.
Use the intake part of the pump like a vaccum.

Mj1200 work great for mixing salt too.

 

[TX_REEF]

I recommend this shopvac head that you can attach to 5 gallon bucket. no mess no hassle, suck out the sump water and detritus as part of your water change as needed: https://amzn.to/3V6ThHL

 

[Rob3D2018]

The shop vac that attaches to the 5 gallon buckets is the ticket!

and which one is that? I need one for my project. Thanks!!

 

[TX_REEF]

and which one is that? I need one for my project. Thanks!!

Check this out, I use it myself: https://amzn.to/3V6ThHL?tag=reef2reef-20

 

[JC1977]

and which one is that? I need one for my project. Thanks!!

The link TX REEF sent you is the one I use as well