Clean Sump

CaptainsReef · Dec 28, 2018

I have a spot in my sump (I assume a refugium will go there eventually) that is getting pretty yuck on the bottom. What is the best way to clean this?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 28, 2018

My way was to ignore it. I collected an inch thick layer of mud on the bottom over many years. :)

If you really want it removed, siphoning may be the best way.

Captain Quint · Dec 28, 2018

Welcome to R2R @CaptainsReef

theKoolAidMan · Dec 28, 2018

Only way is to do your next water change in the sump rather in the display (if that's how you normally do it) and siphon out all the gunk. Turn off the return pump, pull out all of the equipment, and start sucking it up for a deep clean. You can always go around equipment but you WILL miss some spots if you do this.

CaptainsReef · Dec 28, 2018

Captain Quint said:
Welcome to R2R @CaptainsReef

Thank you!

CaptainsReef · Dec 28, 2018

theKoolAidMan said:
Only way is to do your next water change in the sump rather in the display (if that's how you normally do it) and siphon out all the gunk. Turn off the return pump, pull out all of the equipment, and start sucking it up for a deep clean. You can always go around equipment but you WILL miss some spots if you do this.

Makes sense, thank you for the suggestion. Do you recommended a good siphoning device?

CaptainsReef · Dec 28, 2018

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
My way was to ignore it. I collected an inch thick layer of mud on the bottom over many years. :)

If you really want it removed, siphoning may be the best way.

LOL!! I don't even have that much there and it's already bugging me, I can't imagine accumulating an inch. Do you recommend a good siphoning device?

Captain Quint · Dec 28, 2018

CaptainsReef said:
LOL!! I don't even have that much there and it's already bugging me, I can't imagine accumulating an inch. Do you recommend a good siphoning device?

May I ask the size of the sump?

I've done the W/C from the sump and occasionally do one large enough where it is pretty empty and have used white distilled vinegar 50/50 mix with RODI fresh, spay it good and wipe all the gunk out with paper towels and it is good and clean.

theKoolAidMan · Dec 28, 2018

A basic siphon might be tough due to the sump being so low. Some folks will hook up some tubing to a small powerhead like a maxijet. I've also seen being use a wet/dry vac like a shop vac. Others will stir everything up, let it blow into the display and run filter socks in the sump for an hour or two to catch it all when it goes back down the overflow, and then they'll do a normal water change and vacuum the gravel to get up whatever crap settled in the display. Corals may particularly love this with all the ymmy poo and detrius in the display.

CaptainsReef · Dec 28, 2018

Captain Quint said:
May I ask the size of the sump?

I've done the W/C from the sump and occasionally do one large enough where it is pretty empty and have used white distilled vinegar 50/50 mix with RODI fresh, spay it good and wipe all the gunk out with paper towels and it is good and clean.

I have this one...
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sapphire-sump-34-trigger-systems.html
It's that middle chamber

CaptainsReef · Dec 28, 2018

theKoolAidMan said:
A basic siphon might be tough due to the sump being so low. Some folks will hook up some tubing to a small powerhead like a maxijet. I've also seen being use a wet/dry vac like a shop vac. Others will stir everything up, let it blow into the display and run filter socks in the sump for an hour or two to catch it all when it goes back down the overflow, and then they'll do a normal water change and vacuum the gravel to get up whatever crap settled in the display. Corals may particularly love this with all the ymmy poo and detrius in the display.

I have a drill pump, think it would be safe to use? Or would the yuck clog it up?

Captain Quint · Dec 28, 2018

CaptainsReef said:
I have this one...
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sapphire-sump-34-trigger-systems.html
It's that middle chamber

Nice one. I have the emerald. I am guessing you have maybe 20g max in it at a given time so it should be pretty easy with either a hose to siphon the middle out or pump out the TUWV and clean with paper towels or hand towel the next time you do a partial water change. :)

Let us know what you decide. Thanks and again welcome aboard.

Captain Quint · Dec 28, 2018

CaptainsReef said:
I have a drill pump, think it would be safe to use? Or would the yuck clog it up?

An MJ1200 with 1/2inch or 5/8inch clear tubing would be a great asset to do wc's and such.

Captain Quint · Dec 28, 2018

theKoolAidMan said:
A basic siphon might be tough due to the sump being so low. Some folks will hook up some tubing to a small powerhead like a maxijet. I've also seen being use a wet/dry vac like a shop vac. Others will stir everything up, let it blow into the display and run filter socks in the sump for an hour or two to catch it all when it goes back down the overflow, and then they'll do a normal water change and vacuum the gravel to get up whatever crap settled in the display. Corals may particularly love this with all the ymmy poo and detrius in the display.

Just saw this. lol...great minds think alike?

glb · Jan 1, 2019

I use a Home Depot wet vac for water changes. I can get quite a bit of funk out that way. You can also use an Eheim vacuum in between water changes. It’s long so you need some space above the sump to make it work.