Do aquarium sumps smell?
With my recent larger build the sump compartment has a stronger odor mainly coming from the larger skimmer. Although the smell doesn’t affect the room much you can smell it when I have the doors to the stand open. Also as the skimmer cup start to fill the odor will sometime escape into the living room.
What are sumps used for?
A sump is a low space that collects often undesirable liquids such as water or chemicals. A sump can also be an infiltration basin used to manage surface runoff water and recharge underground aquifers.
How do aquarium sumps work?
Sumps work via gravity so water is pumped into the main tank from the sump via a return pipe. Water circulates around the tank and fills it to the point where it overflows down a drainpipe, and back to the sump.
Are bio balls effective?
Bio balls provide a place for all the good nitrifying bacteria you need in your tank to live. The surface of each bio ball is designed to have as much surface area as possible so the bacteria have as much as possible to cling to.
How big should a sump be for an aquarium?
The sump should be no less than 25% of your tank’s total water volume, the bigger the better. The sump needs to fit inside your tank stand or proposed sump location, check overall dimensions.
Can you over filter an aquarium?
An aquarium can be over-filtered because large filters have large pumps that can move the water too quickly. When the water is cycled at an excessive rate, spread sediment all over the tank, push the fish around, and more. The water should pass through the filter four times an hour.
Should I be worried if a house has a sump pump?
Although sump pumps can stop most of the water, holes in the structure of your home can cause leaks and lasting damage. So, even if you have a sump pump installed in your new place, it’s important to keep an eye out for this kind of damage.
Where do you place bio balls?
Place the bio balls in the stream of water running through your fish tank’s filter. Although bio balls will catch some pieces of algae, they are not meant to be used as a physical filter. Installing them downstream of a filter membrane will help keep them from clogging.
Do you need to clean bio balls?
If you notice a thick green or brown gunk coating your bio balls, then you need to clean them. Cleaning bio balls is best done during a water change. Take some of the water you removed from your tank and swish the bio balls around in it. Don’t scrub or wipe your bio balls as this can remove the bacteria.
Can I pour bleach down my sump pump?
A DIY remedy to remove sump pump odors is to use a bleach solution in the sump pit. Create a diluted bleach solution, 1 cup bleach for every 1 gallon of fresh water. Pour the solution into the sump basin until water volume activates the float switch and the sump pump turns on.
Can I put vinegar in my sump pump?
The best sump pump cleaner is regular household white vinegar. Not only is it inexpensive, but it will remove dirt and prevent smells. Mix together equal parts of water and vinegar, then use a rag to wipe down your sump pump.