Vacuuming Detritus when no siphon is possbile...

[Lightsluvr]

I need to vacuum detritus from my sump from time to time. However, the sump is under the stand, so a siphon is not possible.

Can anyone recommend a product or device for vacuuming debris w/o using a siphon? Preferably something that can return water to the system after running through a filter sock...

Thanks.

LL

[sowellj]

ideas not personal experience so take w/a grain of salt.
1) blow it around to resuspend it in the water column
2) rig a small pump up w/flex tubing on the intake side

[downhillbiker]

Here is a product one of our local members is using. He didn't have luck with it because it burned up after 2 weeks, but he is hard on things and also has a 400g tank. He probably didn't clean it enough.

Eheim Sludge Extractor (battery operated gravel cleaner)

http://www.amazon.com/Eheim-Sludge-Extractor-SLUDGE-EXTRACTOR/dp/B0002AQY9O

[dipan]

I've not done this myself, but this is how I would deal with it ... Throw a micron filter sock in one of your sock holders. Smallest micron size you can find ... like maybe 50-100 microns. Take a small submersible pump with tubes on the in/out ports. Direct the waste into the sock with the pump. Remove said sock. I suppose you could even use this setup by propping the sock up somehow even if you don't have a sump with these socks ...

[RobbyVonAwesome]

George, I've run into the same problem in my sump. I took the output end of my siphon hose and attached it to the intake of a maxijet 1200. You gotta be careful not to suck up small pieces of gravel. I just threw the water away and added new saltwater, just like a regular water change. I personally wouldn't mess with the filter sock, it seems like more hassle than it's worth.

[eznet2u]

We use this:
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00990159000
But, then again, you could not reuse the water...

[jason18]

What about that gravel vac they use at lfs? if you have a sink near by the tank of course..

[JRF]

I just use a Maxijet 404 with a length of tubing attached to the output of the maxijet, I move the maxijet around with my hand and suck up the detritus/water into a bucket as part of the water change.

[Lightsluvr]

Thanks for the links to the sludge extractor. I had forgotten about that product...

George, I've run into the same problem in my sump. I took the output end of my siphon hose and attached it to the intake of a maxijet 1200. You gotta be careful not to suck up small pieces of gravel. I just threw the water away and added new saltwater, just like a regular water change. I personally wouldn't mess with the filter sock, it seems like more hassle than it's worth.

How long can a MJ-1200 operate not submerged without damaging it?

We use this:
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00990159000
But, then again, you could not reuse the water...

I've got one of those, too. I wonder if the shop-vac hose will fit in the small space above the sump...

Everybody has me thinking - thanks for the suggestions...

LL

[jason2459]

Vortex Diatom Filter (love mine)

or

cheap canaster filter filled with foam and floss.

Just add a normal gravel attachment if you like.

[silverfly]

very simple. Get a syphon going from your DT above into a bucket, put your thumb over the end in DT, transfer to sump not letting your thumb off until the end is in the sump. Now it will flow from sump to bucket.

[Bill Cobb]

I use a "Python" hooked to your faucet which creates its own siphon.

[luvreefs23]

dont bother with the eheim sludge extractor, the detritus is too fine and creeps right out of the filter anyway. Mine clogged up and i just threw it away. save yer 50.00 bux, im in the same boat and honestly i think the best idea is the shop vac. I remember someone on here put a few adapters on the end of the hose and attached 1/2 - 5/8 vinyl tube.

[Lightsluvr]

honestly i think the best idea is the shop vac. I remember someone on here put a few adapters on the end of the hose and attached 1/2 - 5/8 vinyl tube.

I'd like to see the link to that idea... sounds promising

LL

[ser_renely]

very simple. Get a syphon going from your DT above into a bucket, put your thumb over the end in DT, transfer to sump not letting your thumb off until the end is in the sump. Now it will flow from sump to bucket.


Really wow...I never thought of that. I am just going to do a water change to see if this work!!!! :)

[Acronic]

I use a "Python" hooked to your faucet which creates its own siphon.


I also use a python to vac the sump, its alot cheaper than a wet vac plus you dont have to empty it when ur done...

[surge19us]

You can get 1/2 " or similar size clear acrylic tube at most LFS. I just duct tape a piece to my shopvac hose, and use that to clean the sump. Only the acrylic tube enters the water. Peel off the duct tape throw away and start again in two months.:jester:

[mcoomer]

I turn my return pump and skimmer off, stir up the sump, and use a Maxi Jet 1200 and some hose to pull the water out of the sump. I do this about every other water change and it works great.

[tufacody]

I use a shop vac. I just wish that it could pump out while sucking in.

[nivram]

I use a shop vac. I just wish that it could pump out while sucking in.

Some shop vacs have a drain on the bottom. Mine is threaded which would allow me to add on a hose with the help of some adapters.

[benzrider85]

I just got done with this a couple days ago. I pumped what water I could into a bucket with a small pump, then vacuumed the rest of out the shop vac. Used the shop vac to get whatever crud I could out of the bottom.

[silverfly]

Really wow...I never thought of that. I am just going to do a water change to see if this work!!!! :)

Hope it did. It works for me every time. The crud collects in the bottom of the bucket, then place the bucket higher than the sump and siphon the top water back. Keep repeating till the sump is spotless!

[patsfan1130]

Go to Wally world & get yourself a rubbermaid plastic pitcher (or any similar container) and also get some badding in the crafts aisle. poke a hole in the top & bottom of the container, stuff some badding inside, attach clear tubing to a MJ1200, stick other end inside of the container, disturb the sump to suspend all of the crud, plug it in & walk away. I do this multiple times over the course of an hour or so and my sumps are prestine. Very cheap & VERY effective.

[KafudaFish]

I was going to suggest what Patsfan typed above. It will cost you less than $10 for the container and badding.

You can do either in the display or in the sump. Turn off the return pump to trap the dirty water. Throw in an addition powerhead and every 15 minutes move this one around the tank to resuspend the waste. It is so much easier than trying to get water out of the sump.

It is easy during a football game. Everytime the ball is turned over move the PH or when your beer is gone.

[mille239]

Every other week (in between water changes) Here's what I do:
First, turn off the ATO (if you have one running)
I suck out all the detritus in the sump using a maxi-jet with a vinyl hose attached to the input and output into a bucket. I do the same with my frag tank and fuge. Then I gravel vac the display tank. Working quickly, I can do this all in one 5 gallon bucket.
I wait 1 hour for all the detritus to settle in the bucket, then just pour (decant) the clean water back into the sump and pitch the sludge from the bottom of the bucket.

Then turn the ATO back on, and voila! you are detritus free and no need for a water change!

(On the weeks that I do do a water change I do the same process, except this time I just pitch all the water and replace with fresh.

HTH.