Sump Cleaning

[Amato_WCReef]

How often does everyone clean their sump?? And how? Do you incorporate a water change (drain it), then scrub it clean??

i need some more thoughts and ideas. I’ve always kept a dirty sump, but now that i have a new and nicer tank, i want to keep it nice and clean.

 

[landlubber]

How often does everyone clean their sump?? And how? Do you incorporate a water change (drain it), then scrub it clean??

i need some more thoughts and ideas. I’ve always kept a dirty sump, but now that i have a new and nicer tank, i want to keep it nice and clean.

admittedly, i sure don't do it often but when i have its generally this:
cut the pumps and wait for the water to stop draining then i use a maxi-jet pump with 5 feet of 1/2" hose to vaccum the detritus from the corners and bubble trap.
i tend to leave my refugium alone

 

[Montiman]

I Shop Vac the sump about once to twice a year.

 

[Kristopher Conlin]

I vaccume my sump out every few waterchanges with a maxijet vacuum attachment.

 

[Amato_WCReef]

Thanks for the input. Looks like i need to invest into a smaller water pump to assist with my cleaning.

 

[dank reefer]

I use this

Just need a standard 5g bucket and you're all set.

Bucket Head 5 Gallon 1.75 Peak HP Wet Dry Vacuum Powerhead Shop Vac with Filter Bag and Hose (compatible with 5 Gal. Homer Bucket) BH0100 - The Home Depot

The Bucket Head Wet Dry Vacuum Powerhead can be used to turn a The Home Depot brand 5 gal. multi-use bucket (sold separately) into a powerful wet dry vacuum. The powerhead features a 1.75 peak horsepower

www.homedepot.com

 

[G Santana]

I vaccume my sump out every few waterchanges with a maxijet vacuum attachment.

That's pretty cool, I need that for exactly that purpose!!!

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Hang tight Amatos! Never needed a pump, although I’m sure it works perfectly. Get a 5 gallon bucket or smaller. Also a 6’ or so piece of your syphon hose line. Place the bucket at an angle on the floor next to your sump. Stick one end of your hose in the sump. Suck on the other end of the hose and quickly place at the bottom of the bucket. Start syphoning the dirt out of your sump.
Some have been surprised that a syphon can be achieved when both the sump and bucket are near the floor. But it does work every time. It’s easy to keep your sump clean with this simple and inexpensive task.

 

[ninjamyst]

I also just use a siphon to clean the sump. I dont like using a pump because doesn't all the gunk have to go through your pump?? I guess you can put a floss to trap any big junk from damaging the pump...

 

[Kristopher Conlin]

I also just use a siphon to clean the sump. I dont like using a pump because doesn't all the gunk have to go through your pump?? I guess you can put a floss to trap any big junk from damaging the pump...

The mj pump I use has sucked up a lot of detritus and even small limpet shells and has been working for years. I wouldn't recommend sucking up larger pieces of rock or shell but from my experience the pumps handle it fine with no pre-filter.