Whats all this gunk in my sump?

[elchopo]

I recently got a reef mat which made me change up my sump to not have any additional filtering. I guess I didn't really think about it but when I do water changes and add water to the sump all the gunk on the bottom of the sump its up going through my return pump and dumping a lot of debris into the DT. Well I noticed my coral not doing very well and started testing. All numbers look perfect besides nitrates which was over 100ppm. I freaked and tried to think about why. I don't underfeed. and I do weekly water changes. The only thing I could think of was the debris/gunk getting kicked back into the DT when doing the water changes.

Any thoughts?

In the meantime I did order some cheato so I can add an area in the sump to eat away at nitrates. The tank has only been going for about 4-5 months but I had established live rock set.

DT pic is about what it looks like when doing water changes. As you can see my coral aint happy...

 

[shakacuz]

detritus and sponges. natural part of a reef. too much detritus can cause 0 nitrates, so do plan on vacuuming that out periodically

 

[Lavey29]

Why are you doing sump water changes and not siphon the tank? The gunk in your sump is just normal mulm and detritus which is typical of a lot of sumps.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I recently got a reef mat which made me change up my sump to not have any additional filtering. I guess I didn't really think about it but when I do water changes and add water to the sump all the gunk on the bottom of the sump its up going through my return pump and dumping a lot of debris into the DT. Well I noticed my coral not doing very well and started testing. All numbers look perfect besides nitrates which was over 100ppm. I freaked and tried to think about why. I don't underfeed. and I do weekly water changes. The only thing I could think of was the debris/gunk getting kicked back into the DT when doing the water changes.

Any thoughts?

In the meantime I did order some cheato so I can add an area in the sump to eat away at nitrates. The tank has only been going for about 4-5 months but I had established live rock set.

DT pic is about what it looks like when doing water changes. As you can see my coral aint happy...

This is beneficial sediments comprised of detritus and mulm which is part of the eco system. Sponges and pineapple sponges will emerge as they do best in low light areas and all are allowing a natural eco system similar to a clear running water stream and as soon as you stir the bottom, it appears as icky.
As sediment enters your sump, this stuff like plaque will allow other waste to adhere to it preventing re-entry into your tank

 

[elchopo]

Why are you doing sump water changes and not siphon the tank? The gunk in your sump is just normal mulm and detritus which is typical of a lot of sumps.

I siphon out of the DT but when I add water I do it through the sump and then turn it back on. A lot of times it hasn't settled.

 

[elchopo]

This is beneficial sediments comprised of detritus and mulm which is part of the eco system. Sponges and pineapple sponges will emerge as they do best in low light areas and all are allowing a natural eco system similar to a clear running water stream and as soon as you stir the bottom, it appears as icky.
As sediment enters your sump, this stuff like plaque will allow other waste to adhere to it preventing re-entry into your tank

Is it a good idea to clean it out? I think me stirring it up when adding fresh water change to it is making the nitrates through the roof.

 

[Lavey29]

Is it a good idea to clean it out? I think me stirring it up when adding fresh water change to it is making the nitrates through the roof.

Some people siphon there sumps periodically and keep them clean. Most just let them build mulm which adds biodiversity and microfauna to the system.

 

[Lavey29]

I siphon out of the DT but when I add water I do it through the sump and then turn it back on. A lot of times it hasn't settled.

So just add new water to the DT instead and not create the dust storm in the sump.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Is it a good idea to clean it out? I think me stirring it up when adding fresh water change to it is making the nitrates through the roof.

No- allow it to do its thing
Take time to enjoy your tank and let the filter do it’s function