Keeping the sump clean

[andreyv]

I have AGA MegaFlow sump, model # 3.
75lb of live rock in 75G tank so I never put bio balls in. Basically sump is
used as holder for heater, skimmer, media tray with blue bonded filter pad
and to increase the water volume.
Every 4 weeks or so I drain all water from sump to clean up the bottom
from brown powder-like “stuff”. I don’t mind doing that (part of the
maintenance) just wonder if there is any better way to keep it clean.
Can I put snails in there? which snails? It is bare bottom so I am not sure...
Any advice would be appreciated. :happyfish

 

[michaeltx]

I would throw a few pieces of LR in there and a few crabs and snails in there and let them do the work. I would use a variety of snails though some eat more than others and different types if stuff. just becareful that you dont buy stuff that eats off the sand or has to have a sand base to live on .
Mike

 

[andreyv]

Thanks Mike, I will try that. If only I could find info on which snails/crabs
don't need sand... :notsure:

 

[michaeltx]

Mexican Turbo Snail ,Cerith Snail ,nerite, margarita, are just a few and you can also use stars in there aswell.
Mike

 

[bchbum189]

id throw one of those micron filter socks over the inlet on there, thatll help catch any larger debris coming into the sump. Other than that, sumps should be dirty thats why they are there, to deal with all the ugly things we dont want to see in our displays!!

 

[1911_guy]

Originally Posted by bchbum189
id throw one of those micron filter socks over the inlet on there, thatll help catch any larger debris coming into the sump. Other than that, sumps should be dirty thats why they are there, to deal with all the ugly things we dont want to see in our displays!!