Tank maintanence question

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by TrialandError, Jun 14, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. TrialandError

    TrialandError Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    Messages:
    89
    Location:
    Florida
    I was wondering if I am supposed to vacuum out the gunk in my sump when I do my water changes. I'd imagine I should so nitrates don't build up, but want to double check first since I'm still new to the salt world.
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. FatBastad

    FatBastad Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    Messages:
    1,133
    Location:
    MA
    It prob detritus. Yes, you can vacuum it out.
    Some folks even put a small power head in there to keep it suspended in the water.

    It also helpful to use a turkey baster to squirt it up off the live rock before a water change too.
     
  4. affordable Aqua

    affordable Aqua 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2011
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    Stamford, CT
    You should definitely try to get it out. Its just going to further decompose and foul your water.
     
  5. HOSTA333

    HOSTA333 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    58
    Location:
    Calgary Alberta Canada
    +1 I have a small power head 100 GPH, I clean it every week. But I am a clean freak.
     
  6. TrialandError

    TrialandError Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    Messages:
    89
    Location:
    Florida
    Great thanks :) Glad to know it can come out cause it's looking nasty lol. Not sure I would want to put a power head in to keep it stirred up though. I would rather know it's there and be able to suck it out all at once and sooner than it just floating around.
     
  7. tom.n.day

    tom.n.day Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    May 17, 2011
    Messages:
    1,276
    The idea is if it is suspended it is either used up my your CUC or skimmed
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. TrialandError

    TrialandError Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    Messages:
    89
    Location:
    Florida
    Oh well that makes sense. Guess I will be getting a power head in the near future.