water changes how to?

[rayn]

This question is prompted by another thread I was reading.

How do you do a water change? Say, no filter sock...so the bottom of the sump gets covered in left over food or just stuff the skimmer doesn't pull out. How do you clean it out?

My water change goes like this...I use a old Rio pump hooked to a hose. Siphon out X many gallons, then replace with new mixed water.

By not getting the crap out of the bottom, am I creating a water quality issue? Does this method lead to greater values of nitrate and phosphate? What is used, or how does one clean out the bottom of the sump?

 

[3Twinklets]

Yes you could be creating water issues if there is a lot of detritus in your sump. It will up your nitrate and phosphates as does all waste left behind.
Turn off your main drive pump. Clean the walls of your sump and let the mess settle. If you cannot create a siphon to get it out, use a shop vacuum. I use my carpet shampooer hose.

 

[rayn]

I was wondering about the shop vacuum. I had read of that being used before. For the siphon style, is it just the gravel style siphon tool?

 

[Reefing Madness]

I used to use my Python to emtpy the sump out for a water change, while doing this I would remove the detritus on the bottom. But yes, either way, you should try and not disturb that stuff or get it out at the same time your doing a water change.