The easiest way to clean the sump?

[Jonas Bergkvist]

I am currently cycling my tank and i noticed there are some gunk in my sump. That and what looks like sand from the dry rocks. What is the easiest way to clean that out? I guess siphoning it out is not an option because i will not be able to create a full siphon to the bucket. Maybe a turkey baster will do?

What is your approach, other than having to drain the whole thing?

 

[Krully]

Mesh/filter sock on your return or your nozzles and powerhead in the sub maybe?

 

[codycolina707]

I am currently cycling my tank and i noticed there are some gunk in my sump. That and what looks like sand from the dry rocks. What is the easiest way to clean that out? I guess siphoning it out is not an option because i will not be able to create a full siphon to the bucket. Maybe a turkey baster will do?

What is your approach, other than having to drain the whole thing?

i use a wet vac 35 bucks that clips to a 5 gallon bucket also like other said maybe just put some sort of mechanical filtration on return pump and stir some stuff around

 

[homer1475]

i use a wet vac 35 bucks that clips to a 5 gallon bucket also like other said maybe just put some sort of mechanical filtration on return pump and stir some stuff around

Bucket head shop vac. Sold at home depot.

Bucket Head 5 Gallon 1.75 Peak HP Wet Dry Vacuum Powerhead Shop Vac with Filter Bag and Hose (compatible with 5 Gal. Homer Bucket) BH0100 - The Home Depot

The Bucket Head Wet Dry Vacuum Powerhead can be used to turn a The Home Depot brand 5 gal. multi-use bucket (sold separately) into a powerful wet dry vacuum. The powerhead features a 1.75 peak horsepower

www.homedepot.com

 

[Jposch]

The bucket head works great. Either restrict the intake hose, or pulse the on/off switch. Sucks alot of water fast.

 

[IKD]

saw this option too but won’t get larger debris I suspect. Not bad for $80

Ultra Zero Utility Pump

The Sicce Ultra Zero is a multi-purpose utility pump, perfect for when you just need a sturdy pump to move water from one place to another, such as for pumping freshly mixed saltwater to your tank after a water change, or refilling reservoirs. The Ultra Zero has plenty of power to pump water...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[JD_Inshore]

A wet vac is a good option or the vacuum attachment for a powerhead. Just run a hose to a bucket or filter sock.

MJV Aquarium Detritus Vacuum Attachment - VCA

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[mike550]

I drain my sump as best I can then use a wet/dry shop vac to clean stuff up. I usually do this instead of a “regular” water change and replace the sump water with new saltwater.

 

[Bfragale]

+1- bucket buddy- the wet dry vac head that connects to 5gal- Home Depot has them I think either 20 or 30 bucks (can’t remember) it’s only for the tank. Great to clean sump. You can Re-use water if you want- just pour it thru a filter sock.
Good luck

 

[WIReefer]

Shop vac

 

[robert teseo]

bucket head gets my vote too. every 3rd water change i drain the whole sump and fudge that,s built in.

 

[wenliu51]

How big is your tank? How would you be doing water changes in the future?

If you were to buy the Python hose siphon, which for me.. is a life saver for water changes.. I use that to siphon out my sump when I do water changes. I also use a turkey baster to swish the gunk around so it can get hosed. BRS sells this too.

Otherwise-- as others have said, shop vac.

 

[Eric Miller]

I am currently cycling my tank and i noticed there are some gunk in my sump. That and what looks like sand from the dry rocks. What is the easiest way to clean that out? I guess siphoning it out is not an option because i will not be able to create a full siphon to the bucket. Maybe a turkey baster will do?

What is your approach, other than having to drain the whole thing?

 

[Eric Miller]

shop vacaum works great.