Hey folks,
So, the sump does not get as much flow as my DT.
I see a lot of gross detritus down there that I can't really get out:
- in the intake section- I do have a filter sock but do not religiously change it out and there is detritus on the floor of the return section, hanging out on the skimmer pump...
- in the fuge section! When I stir up my chaeto, pods and caulerpa the detritus makes itself known. pretty gross.
- In the return, it collects just before the pump/all around it.
I have tried to siphon this out on occasion (except for the fuge since I dont want to disturb the critters) but the gravity fed siphon option just does not work since i'm so low to the ground.
Some tank details:
What do you do to clean your sump?
Should I even bother siphoning it?
Is this detritus a significant factor in water quality?
I haven't been overfeeding as much as I did before,
I am beginning to do 15g water changes once a week
I started on a vodka dosing regimen AFTER talking with quite a few long time reefers, reading tons of sites, I do understand how it works/why it works, and the consequences, I researched the other options as well (vinegar, sugar, etc).
Oh, I also turned off my dual reactor with gfo/carbon for the past month due to the impeller on my mj1200 breaking, but now I just received my package and will reinstall at least the carbon.
So, the sump does not get as much flow as my DT.
I see a lot of gross detritus down there that I can't really get out:
- in the intake section- I do have a filter sock but do not religiously change it out and there is detritus on the floor of the return section, hanging out on the skimmer pump...
- in the fuge section! When I stir up my chaeto, pods and caulerpa the detritus makes itself known. pretty gross.
- In the return, it collects just before the pump/all around it.
I have tried to siphon this out on occasion (except for the fuge since I dont want to disturb the critters) but the gravity fed siphon option just does not work since i'm so low to the ground.
Some tank details:
- 120 g DT
- 30g breeder? sump
- Reef Octopus 150
- Over 120lbs of LR
- fuge with 3 types of macro and sand
- 13 or so fish 3 are large, rest are 3" and under
- DSB -only 7m old
- hanna phos meter- .39 as of 10 days ago, will check again Friday
- Nitr- via marcel easy read tabs- RED and when I did use my salifert kit, i think it was at 50ppm
- I am using RODI water- havent used a TDS meter or done a phos check on the water will do that Friday to compare-also just ordered a new DI filter for it.
What do you do to clean your sump?
Should I even bother siphoning it?
Is this detritus a significant factor in water quality?
I haven't been overfeeding as much as I did before,
I am beginning to do 15g water changes once a week
I started on a vodka dosing regimen AFTER talking with quite a few long time reefers, reading tons of sites, I do understand how it works/why it works, and the consequences, I researched the other options as well (vinegar, sugar, etc).
Oh, I also turned off my dual reactor with gfo/carbon for the past month due to the impeller on my mj1200 breaking, but now I just received my package and will reinstall at least the carbon.