[Reefer769]

hey everyone,

i was recently doing some cleaning in my tank, both the display and sump. I realized my sump is really nasty lookin, its basically covered in brown crap with all sorts of sponges hanging on the walls. Would buying a new 10 gal sump to replace the one i currently have do any harm to the system as a whole? or is this a good idea? cleaning it just seems out of the question. It wouldnt cost that much to buy a standard 10gal and glue some baffles in like i did with the one thats currently in use, so i figure why not?

[bguile]

How large is your main system? If it's not more than 50% of your total system volume it should be ok provided that there is no major bio filters in the sump. (ie. DSB, bioballs,sponge filters, etc.)

[Reefer769]

well the display is a 30gal cube. There is nothing but baffles, and a mag5 pump in the sump. If i were to replace it, i would empty out the water and put it back into the new one, so i wouldnt be adding any fresh saltwater

[bguile]

That should be fine. I know I'm stating the obvious, but just in case get the new sump prepared and glued with baffles before taking out the old sump. Give the silicone at least 48hours before adding any water to it. Also, if you have any new ideas that would've made your sump more efficient, now's the time to do it.

[Reefer769]

hey thanks,

thats a good idea to try and make the sump more efficient, i think ill add thicker baffles, and maybe even an extra one to decrease any bubbles in the display

[scubadude]

Originally Posted by Reefer769

I realized my sump is really nasty lookin, its basically covered in brown crap with all sorts of sponges hanging on the walls.

The brown crap (algae im guessing) is probably some sort of nutrient sink which probably keeps your main tank clean And the sponges are filter feeders which also does the same so technically if you cleaned/replaced your sump you could harm your ecosystem and rob it from natural filtration, however on the same note, you want to keep your intake/outputs clean from any growth that may restrict your flow. I had a problem with algae/coralline obstructing my intake grates so I had always had one on backup and about once a month I would replace it with the back up and that way I wouldnt have to worry about getting debris all over while I was cleaning the dirty one.

[Reefer769]

thats the answer i was looking for, i should have been more specific before. my main concern was by replacing the sump would i be taking out beneficial bacteria, and i guess you just answered that for me. whats the worst thing that could happen if i end up replacing the sump? would i end up with more algae in the display?