How to vacuum a sump

[mpderksen]

I use gravity to drain the DT during water changes. Tricky to clean the back overflow, so I use a smaller hose for that (it's deep!).
How can I clean the sump? I have an extra MJ1200 that I put a long hose on to pump the water from the Brute can to refill, and I guess I could use it the other direction to pump out the sump, but that won't really get the junk out of the bottom.

[thegrun]

I use a wet dry vacuum, Home Depot sells a nice one for around $20.00 that fits on top of a 5 gallon bucket.

[Misled]

I bought a cheep little one gallon shop vac just for that.

[ridetheducati]

Python for cleaning tank and sump. Easy.

[mpderksen]

My Shop-Vac will suck the paint off a car! Probably pull the cheato, rocks and pods right out. Probably need a smaller version like you suggest.

[phillrodrigo]

I usually just use the hose part of my siphon it works fine.

[mpderksen]

I usually just use the hose part of my siphon it works fine.

Attached to what? I need to go against gravity.

[ska d]

A maxi jet 1200 with a piece of hose.

[rrocky]

I use a wet dry vacuum, Home Depot sells a nice one for around $20.00 that fits on top of a 5 gallon bucket.

Thanks mang I've been looking for something cheap to do this job! I'm lookin just to vaccum my return section from the stuff that's built up on the bottom.

[Reefahholic]

shop vac for me too...

also have a Eheim Compact Pump 300...tiny and works perfectly to clean and drain my sump.

[D-Nak]

I use a wet dry vacuum, Home Depot sells a nice one for around $20.00 that fits on top of a 5 gallon bucket.

+1. It's called a "bucket head" and does an excellent job of cleaning out my sump.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-Head-Wet-Dry-Vac-BH0100/202017218

I typically rotate between vacuuming my sump and vacuuming my sand bed every other month.

[pledosophy]

I use the bucket shop vac.

Basically I drain the the sump as much as possible, then suck it out. I use my MJ pump that feeds my GFO reactor to get the sump down low first. I just put the hose into an extra pvc and put it out then back door.

HTH