Sump Going Crazy?!

[AlexDm]

What is going on in my sump ?! How can I fix this? I have no idea what this is it's like it's affecting my water quality..... tank is only 2-3 months old

 

[najer]

More solid waste that drops out before your return , what cuc do you have in the sump?

 

[yellojello]

Looks like sand or detritus settling. Can just siphon out during water change or add powerhead to blow it to prevent settling.

 

[BlueCursor]

What are your Alk and Ca readings? That could be precipitation of CaCO3. Is your heater caked with that stuff too? If so, you definitely need to lower your Alk/Ca.

 

[AlexDm]

What are your Alk and Ca readings? That could be precipitation of CaCO3. Is your heater caked with that stuff too? If so, you definitely need to lower your Alk/Ca.

Yeah the heater is soaked with it as well I well have to buy a test kit for Alk and Cal

 

[AlexDm]

More solid waste that drops out before your return , what cuc do you have in the sump?

What do you mean by cuc?

 

[najer]

Clean up crew.

 

[Waters]

Do you use filter socks? That will collect a lot of that before it settles in your sump. I still have to vacuum the bottom of my sump every couple of months, even with the socks though.

 

[AlexDm]

Do you use filter socks? That will collect a lot of that before it settles in your sump. I still have to vacuum the bottom of my sump every couple of months, even with the socks though.

Yeah I have two filter socks

 

[AlexDm]

Clean up crew.

I don't have a cuc in the sump do I need one?

 

[najer]

Up to you I guess, I do in mine and I'm sure it helps.

 

[yellojello]

If you get cuc, you should protect the intake of the pump to prevent anything getting in there and damage the prop

 

[JBradford]

I have thought about a cuc in my sump but I only have a 2 chamber sump. I have a sponge over my return's inlet but I'm worried about them getting into my skimmer.

What do you guys suggest? Snails? Hermits?

@AlexDm, sorry to thread jack.

 

[najer]

I have 2 heaters and 2 return pumps in my sump, no socks or filters, I do have a large refugium section.
I have about 5 money / ring cowries, 5 hermits and a large Indo turbo in there I think! ;)