Debris removal in a starboard tank

[Klay]

hey guys,

i'm a very very long time reader, but have only recently signed up for an account.

I just set up a 2nd tank (180 gallon) and I've decided to use a starboard bottom. I find that debris collects on the bottom of the sump. How do you guys vacuum/remove that stuff from the sump?


Thanks,

Dave

[drock59]

use a filter sock and dont let it get there in the first place.

Also, if some detritus does collect you can still cyphon(?) it out.

[keckles]

IME, it is hard to siphon the detritus when the sump is on ground level. I use a couple of maxi-jets to keep it suspended and then let my skimmer take care of it from there.

[drock59]

it is harder than regular siphon the sump but far from dificult. Maxi jet idea is a good too.

[keckles]

How do you siphon your sump? Mine is sitting on the bottom of my stand at ground level and it is nearly impossible for me to do.

And..

To Reef Central, Dave

[drock59]

mine is too. I just do it like a normal siphon. It goes a lot slower but gets all the stuff out of the sump. Not really sure how to explain it.

[keckles]

Hmm.. I lose siphon immediately.

I guess I will just stick with the maxi-jet method. It works for now, especially with a 300g rated MR-2 on a 55g

[Bomber]

Originally posted by Klay
I find that debris collects on the bottom of the sump. How do you guys vacuum/remove that stuff from the sump?

Dave, stick a length of clear vinyl hose on the suck end of a small submersible pump. Drop the pump in a 5gal bucket, and have at it.

[NwG]

For big cleaning.. I do it when I clean my skimmer.. I stick a legnth of flex hose on the intake of my skimmer and suck it right into the skimmer... For the every other day stuff, I do the bucket method like Bomber... I don't like filter socks, uless they are just run for a few hours.. They collect way too much stuff that breaks down in the bag VERY quickly (matter of hours in the O2 rich bag) IME

[Klay]

oooh yeah

i never even thought of using a pump =) stupid me

hmm do you think a maxijet 1200 could be adapted for sucking?

[keckles]

Originally posted by Bomber
Dave, stick a length of clear vinyl hose on the suck end of a small submersible pump. Drop the pump in a 5gal bucket, and have at it.

I'm not sure if I understand, won't this clog the pump?

[fishdoc11]

I use use a MJ 1200 with a hose on the "out" side and the long extension(like you would use for a UGF riser tube) on the "suck" side. FWIW I tried filter socks a couple of months ago. They did fine when they clogged up every couple of days and I had to change them. When they started lasting 3 or 4 days and I didn't change them out but this often I noticed a huge increase in bubble algae and cyano so I stopped. Now I just run one when I blow the rocks off and do a water change every couple of weeks and then take it out. JME
Chris

[AnemicOak]

I know some folks use a wet/dry vac.

[drock59]

ive heard the wet/dry vac thing before but cant bring myself to do it.

[davjbeas]

I am using an ets sump which has no filter sock. detritus settles in the chambers of the sump. every 1 to 2 weeks i connect my python water syphon to my kitchen sink using an adaptor. i use the 3/4 inch hose to suck the detritus offf the bottom of the sump. i also suck out as much red slime algea off my LR as i can as i am having 4-5 pieces of LR with red slime growing. all this goes down the drain of my sink. i replace the water i removed with reef crystals salt water which i keek on hand always in a rubbermaid trash can from home depot. this method also accomplishes water change at the same time. Python brand syphons can be got on line or at LFS.
David B.

[tankslave]

yea, just don't stick the phyton in reverse.

"hey, where is all the sand going??...."

[tankslave]

Welcome to RC, BTW!