How do you vacuum your SUMP?

[EvolvedMonkey]

Can I just use a regular shop vac, or does that suck the water out too quickly? Is there a way to reduce the flow/speed into the shop vac?

Would I be better off with a battery operated liquid transfer pump?

I'm going to start cleaning my sump.. My Nitrates and phosphates are off the charts, and my chaeto is constantly covered in sump detritus and barely growing.

 

[mfinn]

Can I just use a regular shop vac, or does that suck the water out too quickly? Is there a way to reduce the flow/speed into the shop vac?

Would I be better off with a battery operated liquid transfer pump?

I'm going to start cleaning my sump.. My Nitrates and phosphates are off the charts, and my chaeto is constantly covered in sump detritus and barely growing.

I use a regular shop vac.
The faster the better. Get the job done and fill the sump back up and turn the pump back on.

 

[MnFish1]

Can I just use a regular shop vac, or does that suck the water out too quickly? Is there a way to reduce the flow/speed into the shop vac?

Would I be better off with a battery operated liquid transfer pump?

I'm going to start cleaning my sump.. My Nitrates and phosphates are off the charts, and my chaeto is constantly covered in sump detritus and barely growing.

You can use a shop vac - you can also use a python? As to whether it sucks out water too quickly - would depend on the size of the sump. But, unless you had rubble, sand, etc on the bottom of your sump, I wouldn't think speed would be an issue.

 

[EvolvedMonkey]

I use a regular shop vac.
The faster the better. Get the job done and fill the sump back up and turn the pump back on.

Do you put the water that you suck out back in after the detritus is filtered out, or just add fresh salt mix water?

I'm not doing my own water changes right now (that's the only thing my LFS does for me).

 

[EvolvedMonkey]

You can use a shop vac - you can also use a python? As to whether it sucks out water too quickly - would depend on the size of the sump. But, unless you had rubble, sand, etc on the bottom of your sump, I wouldn't think speed would be an issue.

Here’s my mess. My concern would be that I take out 20 gallons of water before I can suck up all the detritus.

 

[MnFish1]

Here’s my mess. My concern would be that I take out 20 gallons of water before I can suck up all the detritus.

Thats what I was also wondering about - depending on how much 'junk' you have vs the volume. If you have access to a sink near your tank - you could use a python - which would be slower, and easier to control. I'm not aware if shop vacs have more than one 'speed setting'.

 

[MnFish1]

Do you put the water that you suck out back in after the detritus is filtered out, or just add fresh salt mix water?

I'm not doing my own water changes right now (that's the only thing my LFS does for me).

I would mix new water. And PS - you should not have to do this task often (i.e. it's often good to have some detritus in your sump.

 

[EvolvedMonkey]

Is there any sort of vacuum attachment for a small pump?

 

[MnFish1]

Is there any sort of vacuum attachment for a small pump?

You can buy a small vacuum (an aquarium vacuum) however may not work as well

 

[EvolvedMonkey]

Is there any sort of vacuum attachment for a small pump?

https://vividcreativeaquatics.com/shop/mjv-sc-sicce-syncra-nano-compatible-vacuum-attachment/
Found this cool tool.. fits 1/2" or 3/4" slip..

Might buy it and try it.

 

[mfinn]

Do you put the water that you suck out back in after the detritus is filtered out, or just add fresh salt mix water?

I'm not doing my own water changes right now (that's the only thing my LFS does for me).

Fresh mixed saltwater