Cleaning an old sump

[DaveB]

I'm finally getting around to setting up the overflows and sump in the tank I bought last year. I'm tired of running a canister filter and taping off the overflow. Problem is it has been sitting for a very long time and was in a SW setup before that. There's all sorts of crust and junk inside it.

Anyone have any idea what the best way to go about cleaning this is without leaving any toxic residue? What about the bioballs? Should I soak them or boil them or anything?

The sump is acrylic, if it matters.

(also, just from looking at it, can anyone tell what this pump model is? It doesn't say.)

Thanks!

 

[Dr Joe]

Problem with acrylic is you can't scrub it

Straight vinegar and let it soak 24hrs. rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.

Reapply for stubborn areas.

Other than aesthetics, after you clean it once, any residue left won't harm anything.

Dr Joe

.

 

[rezin]

pump is a Magdrive, but cant tell the model sorry

 

[tim_78]

Vinegar is about it 4 acrylic

 

[DaveB]

Cool, I'll just dump in some vinegar and wipe with a sponge. It doesn't have to be perfect, since it's hidden away underneath.

Mag 12 B it is. That seems like overkill for such a little sump. But good to know it can move some water.

edit: well don't I feel stupid. One cup of vinegar and a kitchen sponge and the thing is like brand new. Took me longer to empty out the bioballs than it did to clean the thing.

 

[FireMedic]

For cleaning Bio-balls I have used the tried and true method of a large tupperware bin and hot water. Water as hot as you can stand.

Agitate the balls with a stout length of PVC or other non-porous material. Be gentle, the balls break easily when heated. Swirl the balls until the water cools. Drain, repeat once more. Balls should be good as new.

On occasion some balls have needed a nylon scrub-brush and a little elbow grease. I have used this method on large white, small black and small blue balls with excellent results.

Respectfully,
FireMedic.

 

[FireMedic]

OH MY GOD!!!!
I am so sorry for the innuendo, oh my GOD!

 

[packer43064]

OH MY GOD!!!!
I am so sorry for the innuendo, oh my GOD!

LOL THat's hilarious, props to FireMedic, lol.

Oh Jeez, I'm dying laughing right now, omg, lol. Just had to edit that in. Balls will break when heated, be gentle everyone. LOL

 

[CJB]

\ I have used this method on large white, small black and small blue balls with excellent results.

Respectfully,
FireMedic.

 

[packer43064]

[/quote

LOL geez I love MFK.