sump cleaning question

[robert teseo]

so, how do you get the junk out of the bottom of the sump? I,m guessing a pump with input and output lines that are self priming?that way I could also do water changes thru the sump.

 

[Diesel]

That's a way but pro's use a shopvac.

 

[robert teseo]

????

 

[dealseer]

????

What is the question?

 

[Salty Carlo]

I use a Eheim Quick Vac

 

[robert teseo]

you can't get in a sump with that.the bottom of my sump has a layer of dirt. I want to remove it. with the pumps, skimmer and fudg theres not a lot of room to work in.

 

[Diesel]

Just do a yearly clean up and remove all pumps and skimmer to give a vinegar bath as well.
After that you can use a shopvac to clean out your sump nicely.

 

[Fritzhamer]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-Head-5-gal-1-75-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-BH0100/202017218

 

[cgdcinc]

If you have plenty of room you can make a self cleaning sump. Put a tee in your return line and a valve and a run of pipe over to your overflow chamber. Creating a loop. Make sure you have the valve off to your return nozzles. Hang a filter sock on your new loop pipe in your return chamber and run your return pump like normal. Stir up everything in your sump with a powerhead until it’s clear and you are done. It’s a permanent solution.

 

[robert teseo]

sump has only been running for 2 months, I can't wait a year. I use foam pads to filter instead of a sock. I,m afraid on a nitrate build up.

 

[madweazl]

I siphon it out via a hose to the front yard a few times a year as it starts to build up.

 

[Diesel]

If your sump is only two months and you already have build up you have a problem.
Either run filter socks or clean every two weeks your sump.
FYI. I don't run filtersocks and my sump isn't cleaned in 2 years and I don't have any build up.
Many good answers are giving in this thread, just do something with it and don't let it build up.
Btw a little build up isn't that bad as you will have twice as much under and in your live rock after a few months as why we cycle long and good to have that ultimate balance.

 

[cgdcinc]

And if I have learned anything from my personal experience, sponges are one of the things that trap and hold nitrate causing debris. Once I eliminated them from my nano that had a canister filter, things improved quickly pertaining to nitrates. I cleaned them religiously every week. Changing out poly filter pad or filter socks if you need them are a great way to go.

 

[robert teseo]

thanks for all the input, I now have some good ideas. I think the sump has dirt is because of the new set up took a day to clear, and that's whats in the sump