Sump vacuum

[JamesP]

My sump is a floor level so i cant really siphon it to clean. I have been using one if these with the end attachment removed...

Its $15 and does work, but its like vacuuming with a straw and it is cheap plastic and the on off button breaks in a week. So I was about to replace it with another, but wanted to see what other people are doing. I also thought about the python vac you hook to the sink for the venturi effect but was not sure if it created enough suction to pull the water uphill from the sump to the sink. Any thoughts?

 

[KJAG]

My sump is a floor level so i cant really siphon it to clean. I have been using one if these with the end attachment removed...

Its $15 and does work, but its like vacuuming with a straw and it is cheap plastic and the on off button breaks in a week. So I was about to replace it with another, but wanted to see what other people are doing. I also thought about the python vac you hook to the sink for the venturi effect but was not sure if it created enough suction to pull the water uphill from the sump to the sink. Any thoughts?

A simple shop vac works perfectly

 

[JamesP]

That sounds like a good idea. How quickly does it pull out the water? I dont want it to pull too quickly so i have a chance to move it around a bit and clean up the bottom. And for a 40 gallon breeder sump, what would be a good size? I was looking at really small ones so I can put it with my fish stuff easily, but I dont want it to fill in 20 seconds.

 

[HB AL]

I use my hand bilge pump from my boat, works great.

 

[JamesP]

Oh yeah thats also a great idea. You stick the red end in and it expels water from the green into a bucket I guess.

 

[KJAG]

That sounds like a good idea. How quickly does it pull out the water? I dont want it to pull too quickly so i have a chance to move it around a bit and clean up the bottom. And for a 40 gallon breeder sump, what would be a good size? I was looking at really small ones so I can put it with my fish stuff easily, but I dont want it to fill in 20 seconds.

Might try bushing down the end piece of the nozzle with standard plumbing fittings to a size of your choice to achieve the rate of suction

 

[JamesP]

I like both of these options better than the thing I have been using. Thanks for the great advice everyone.

 

[Branespikin]

I use this to vacuum my sump. Works great

 

[Branespikin]

$20 and works on any 5 gallon bucket. Im sure we all have these. Buckets lying around

 

[JamesP]

Im thinking about combining the bucket vac idea with the flow restrictor. The bucket vac says 1.25" accessories so im thinking I can adapt a 1.25" cepex valve to it where the hose meets the vac. Then I can tune it in based on the job. Im very slow and meticulous so Id likely run out of water before I was satisfied otherwise.

 

[Branespikin]

Yeah what i do is i stir up the sump with turkey baster to get everything suspended than suck it all up. Im sure you can restrict the flow with a valve. Everything we do in this hobby has some DIY fine tune

 

[cmcoker]

They make a micro tool adapter set, I think for detailing your car, but it will restrict the flow down. http://m.homedepot.com/p/Stinger-1...Kit-for-RIDGID-Wet-Dry-Vacs-VT1215/100139249

What I do is drain the sump compartment down to few inches of water with a pump. Then suck out the rest with the shop vac

 

[DanP-SD]

I find the best tool is a simple length of 5/8 or 1/2" hose. Turn off your return so the water level rises in the sump. Use a wide Rubbermaid bin to siphon into so the water level doesn't rise too quickly and kill your siphon. As long as the water level in the Rubbermaid is lower than the sump you'll have a siphon and the small gauge of the hose seems to create a good speed to give you time to vacuum up detritus. If the sump floor is clean and you still want to change out water, use a bigger hose.

 

[JamesP]

I may try that today with the tubing from my python vac.

 

[HB AL]

Oh yeah thats also a great idea. You stick the red end in and it expels water from the green into a bucket I guess.

That's it simple. I keep it in the boat in case of a grave situation of water flooding the boat but luckily have only used it on my sump

 

[jdpeters]

My sump is a floor level so i cant really siphon it to clean. I have been using one if these with the end attachment removed...

Its $15 and does work, but its like vacuuming with a straw and it is cheap plastic and the on off button breaks in a week. So I was about to replace it with another, but wanted to see what other people are doing. I also thought about the python vac you hook to the sink for the venturi effect but was not sure if it created enough suction to pull the water uphill from the sump to the sink. Any thoughts?

What do you call this? Guy on reefnetworknews was talking about something like this

 

[JamesP]

What do you call this? Guy on reefnetworknews was talking about something like this

Koller Products TOM Aquarium Mr. Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Siphon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OYOPNW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_QqAQBb0MHQ9W2

 

[jdpeters]

Koller Products TOM Aquarium Mr. Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Siphon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OYOPNW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_QqAQBb0MHQ9W2

Ty! You think it’s adequate for sucking detritus out of sump? Guy said harbor freight has something similar for 5 bucks he uses

 

[Greaps]

CJ came up with a easier solution, have a manifold off the return pump able to redirect all water back to your mechanical, run or hang a temporary sock and stir the sump up and let the sump clean itself.

 

[jdpeters]

CJ came up with a easier solution, have a manifold off the return pump able to redirect all water back to your mechanical, run or hang a temporary sock and stir the sump up and let the sump clean itself.

That's a great idea yet my sump isn't that sophisticated and I have a return pump that isn't hard plumber just a hose to pvc for the return