How to clean sump?

[Bakedpwn]

So my sump sits about 2 to 3 inchs off the ground. how does one vaccum ot siphon the sump since its sits so low?

is there a pump that allows debris thru?

main concern is a small amount of cyno growing in bubble trap floor

 

[jsker]

I used a python vacuum system. Hook one end to the sink and the other to vacuum. The sink creates the suction one needs and the vacuum end has a shut off.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

ive been using an old maxi jet with a couple lengths of hose, it beats up the pump if you hit some sand. been loving my cheap-o canister vac. floss only, thick as you need, works like a shop vac for the reef. I also use it of deep cleaning and scaping.

 

[kendavjac]

wet/dry vacuum. 1) Turn off your pumps. 2) Let sump fill up. 3) vacuum away. 4) replace salt water and start the tank up again. Easiest way I have found.

 

[Waters]

I also use a small wet/dry vacuum.

 

[KingBlingTX]

wet/dry vacuum. 1) Turn off your pumps. 2) Let sump fill up. 3) vacuum away. 4) replace salt water and start the tank up again. Easiest way I have found.

+1

 

[Empress]

Do you mean the wet/dry vac you buy from Home Depot?

 

[kendavjac]

yes

 

[Empress]

yes

Won't salt water kill the motor? Do you rinse the vac out with fresh water after you use it?

 

[Ebone]

I use a turkey baster fairly regularly... it works pretty well if keep up with it... if not I just use an old MJ and some hose like a vacuum

 

[jolt]

The Bucket Head that Home Depot sells is what I use. It's a super cheap wet/dry that sits on top of a 5 gallon bucket that you provide. I think I paid $20 for it ...

 

[Empress]

Thanks . I gotta look into it. [emoji225]

 

[sinekal]

Im with the folks that use a small maxi jet. I put a small piece of hose on the input, a longer piece on the output running to a 5 gallon bucket. Turn it on and vacume the whole sump like a little hand held vacume, 4 replace the water and I'm done. I've been using the same maxi jet for about 4 years and it doesn't seem to be affected by it.

 

[racin2438]

We use a small wet/vac, for our sump clean up, but we only clean the sock/pump sides clean. I then run it in a bucket with fresh water to rinse out. Works great a

 

[Waters]

Won't salt water kill the motor? Do you rinse the vac out with fresh water after you use it?

I have been using mine for over a year and it has never been rinsed out. I paid less than $30 for it 14 months ago so I feel I already got my money's worth if the motor decides to quit :)

 

[jd371]

I used a python vacuum system. Hook one end to the sink and the other to vacuum. The sink creates the suction one needs and the vacuum end has a shut off.

This is what I use. I run it from the slop sink in the laundry room to the tank. I siphon out the sump first and then move to the tank and take out the rest of a 20g wc.

 

[MaiReef]

I use a mag 1.5 pump. Works very well. Stop the flow. mix up the sump and let it pump. Then refill salt water. It is how I do my water changes.