Siphoning detritus from the sump

[captexas]

I used my old Python siphon hooked up to the sink as it creates a suction. It's slow and I often thought about just using a Mag pump or something to do it instead.

[NaCl_H2O]

I use a large, very fine fish net :)

[gjuarez]

I used to think the same thing. I had to raise my sump a little. I also need some suggestions.

[::pete::]

A siphon will work to a lower point so use something lower than the water level.

[Richard]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12753&N=2004+113165

[MikeyBoy]

Richard, does that thing work??

I have the same need.

[gjuarez]

That seems like a pretty cool device.

[captexas]

Better buy lots of batteries for that thing. Also, you notice it mentions for "freshwater" use? Probably means it has parts inside that will rust with saltwater.

[gjuarez]

hmm... Good point. I was already taking out the debit card. I guess I will do more research.

[::pete::]

That's usually about 6" though Pete, so I'd have to do about 1/4 gallon at a time. :lol

No ... as long as the container is lower it will work even up and over. I do it 2x a week ;)

[Richard]

We had one we used sometimes at the store (it was actually penn plax brand). It worked fine in saltwater until it became lost one day. It was pretty crappy quality but worked ok and didn't have to change batteries too often. I mean don't expect too much for 10 bucks. BTW we don't have them in case you were wondering.

Guess you could try this one...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3895&N=2004+113165

[::pete::]

Why not just suck ... my boy hates water changes!!!

[Richard]

Do you have the cheapy one or the eheim?

Pete - Some of us just don't like to suck. ;)

[::pete::]

I never said I suck!!! My little well big little one does the sucking and spitting!!!

[C.Mydas]

cheapy one. I didnt know eheim made one...hint hint Brian...cough cough.

Pete- :angel my delicate ears know you're not referring to what I think you're referring to. lol.

[::pete::]

NO !!!!

[brewercm]

Keep stirring it all up, pump it back into the main tank from the sump, at the end of the hose that you are pumping back into the tank put a filter sock for a little while till all is gone from the sump.

You can do the same thing by just repumping (is that a word) it straight into the sump. Your own little closed loop with a filter sock out the outlet hose side. This way you could hook up a hose to the inlet side and just move it around the sump as you want to suck up the garbage.

Whalla.

[LoneStar]

Well when I get detritus on the bottom of my sump, I usually do a water change. I just turn all the ball valves off to the main tank, drain the sump with a pump. I leave about an 1" or so of water on the bottom. I then bust out the WET/DRY vac and then start sucking out all that junk from the sump floor. Works great :) I then fill the sump with new water and done :)

I ran into the same problem with having the sump on the floor and could not use the siphon gravel cleaner very well. We were doing drywall in the living room and had the vac sitting out and then........I bet it would work great for catching an annoying fish as well lol

[captexas]

If you use the shop vac, just remember to wash it out afterwards. If you let it sit for a few days in there, you'll end up with an unpleasant odor!

[TexasTodd]

I use the Python. With both hot and cold water full blast. Sucks like a champ. :blush

Really it works great. It's even the 25' version. If your's isn't working well you may want to take the parts apart at the sink end. Little rocks get in there and slow them down a lot.

TT

[alteredego]

i use an old wet/dry vac, also makes for a very fast water change.

[dillonsshop]

Just an observation on the battery powered "sucker", they are ok for sumps, if you don't have enough height for a siphon. The problem with the one I use on my fresh water tanks is that if you are trying to get something from on top of your LR the stupid thing looses suction. If you put toomany extensions on it wont suck anything into it. But as for using it for a sump, I think it would be ok. I like using the wet/dry vac better.

[bigdscobra]

I need to get a wet/dry vac to do water changes and get rid of that stupid giant damsel...LOL


Joshua

Did you get a new tank?

[matt]

Just blast a hole through your living room floor and you can lower the collecting container. Time to show who's REALLY dedicated to their tank.

Disclaimer: I don't even have a tank, so I'm probably not going to win the dedication award!