Cleaning my sump

mseepman · #1 01-31-2008, 04:46 AM

I built my own sump/fuge a while back and I am now facing the dilemma of how to clean it. I didn't do the deep SB in the fuge and so I am building detrius along the bottom of the sump. How do people clean their sump? I can't get a good siphon going since the sump is on the floor. I've also tried using an MJ400 and a hose on it's input to suck out waste but didn't get a good siphon either.

Any suggestions would be great.

fkshiu · #2 01-31-2008, 04:55 AM

I use an MJ900 with the hose output placed into my filter bag that also happens to be in the sump so no siphon is required. I clean the sump every few months.

Johnny Reefer · #3 01-31-2008, 05:01 AM

I vacuum it out with one of these...
http://www.marineland.com/catalog/pr...num250_268.jpg
...using the micron cartridge shown.

HTH.

wickedfrags · #4 01-31-2008, 11:42 AM

I trap all the junk before it gets into the sump with a micron sock! No reason siphoning should not do the trick. Would offer you some but I am sold out (until next week)

mseepman · #5 01-31-2008, 04:30 PM

How do you use that to vacuum? I used to have something similar but it was passive on the end of a powerhead. It helps with the cloudiness of adding sand to a new tank but I'm not sure how else it could help?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

I vacuum it out with one of these...
http://www.marineland.com/catalog/pr...num250_268.jpg
...using the micron cartridge shown.

HTH.

christyf5 · #6 01-31-2008, 04:54 PM

ShopVac. Every 3 months or so my sump gets drained and shopvacced. Makes for an easy waterchange

Then use a micron sock after that, you get way less detritus.

Johnny Reefer · #7 01-31-2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mseepman

How do you use that to vacuum? ....

Not sure how to explain it other than just post a pic.

Does this explain it? Of course, the cartridge has to be rinsed out afterward. I do that in a bucket of water and then under the tap.

Cheers,

Okguy · #8 01-31-2008, 08:30 PM

If you bought most of your setup from AJ's, I'm willing to bet you have a Fluval canister filter kicking around. I use mine to vacuum out my fuge when I do my water changes. Just take all the media out and suck it out into a bucket. It works like a charm.

HTH

Reefer Rob · #9 01-31-2008, 10:16 PM

Has anyone tried a Python or something similar? I suck mine out with a MJ 1200, but the long stringy algae that forms in the high flow areas plugs it up very quickly. It would be nice to set up a suction hose that wouldn't plug with a scraper attachment.

mseepman · #10 02-01-2008, 12:34 AM

Haha....You know...I do have a Fluval 404 from AJ's kicking around...haha. I will try that. Thanks for the advice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okguy

If you bought most of your setup from AJ's, I'm willing to bet you have a Fluval canister filter kicking around. I use mine to vacuum out my fuge when I do my water changes. Just take all the media out and suck it out into a bucket. It works like a charm.

HTH