You've Been Cleaning Your Seamless Sump Wrong All Along!

[@tinaphillips9620]

I have a tank from them since 2018. I watched as you grabbed one. 😊 I didn’t see any more videos bc I’ve been busy (family stuff😅). But watching you put media bags in the already difficult to access sock tub jacked up my anxiety 🤣 jk. I let the sock tub be a sock and mod the pump tub and the tub next to it with an extra large sponge filter attached to an air pump. Worked super great! Then, I modified it again 😅 no sock just extra mod to the trays in the media tub, and next to that inside the pump tub is a wall made of two sponge filters and miro socks filled with carbon. Makes my life so much easier! WHEW! It’s a live planted freshwater tank so it’s kinda doing everything by itself. My dad recently passed and I was not thinking about the tank. So, now it’s going to need more attention, and fish. The live plants just regrow after dying back due to no human aid. I have a few 20g that only run on the sponge filters which attach to a ridiculously large air pump (bc I over filter all my tanks). The 20g managed to hold out despite my lack of involvement. 😊 they have better substrate than the all gravel tanks seen as the background to my livestreams. So, my remodel is going to have that substrate under the gravel if I keep the gravel. M1 pump is worth the investment and has great customer service and support. Once you have a decent setup you might like the sump system better. Btw I never considered using a shop vac to maintenance the sump. I have a syphon that’s great (easy fast)! I love your videos, and attitude. Hopefully, this info helps you enjoy tank changes better. Once I waited a year and a half to fully clean my sump. But it was 4 100g sponges with air pumps added to the existing 150g media. 😂 Tank changes SUCK! So I really over filter. I might show steps of remodel.😏 Stay up Fam!

[@FatOlePig]

Kev, thanks so much for all these great videos! You show us the good and the bad of such a great hobby.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure bro! It’s the less glamorous side of the hobby, but still essential for success. 💪

[@dacot27]

I'm new to the fish keeping game and learning so much from your videos. Thanks Kev

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure bro! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. 😊 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@dacot27]

@@KaveManAquatics Nice one Kev, downloaded your app will deffo be using it, keep up the good work mate 👍

[@tmanning4usa]

I use to have a salt water tank back in the late 1990s which was very expensive and intense keep control of which I had Canister filters and I am going to get back in the hobby but after watching this video I am definitely going back with Canisters.

[@jimjennings1970]

I have 2 fx6 so far and you helped me clean them as well as set them up thank you

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. 😊 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@codywrites]

My back is killing me just watching this. A triple lumbar fusion is in my near future. That's a lot of work, Kev! But, with Discus, the sump is probably your best option!

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣 I hear you, exactly how I felt. And you’re right, if I stay on top of the sump it will def keep this tank perfect for the Discus!

[@razinfishes1918]

I clean my seamless sump about once a year. I've always used and ultra zero pump to suck the junk out. But I like the shop vac idea! My sock tub I just pull out and clean with the garden hose. And I do the same for my bio media spray it off with the hose. Never had any issues doing that. But for sure it's work getting under there and doing all that. I found moving my sump forward close to the front makes it more accessible for me.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yea I thought of moving it forward a bit also, but then again I like having space in front too lol Rinsing your media with the hose is fine because you most likely have a very established tank with tons of BB all over the place 😁💪

[@WaseemSyed1264]

That's some intense work brother man. I truly appreciate all the dirty work you show and not try to hide anything. Definitely glad to see in not the only one making a mess whenever i work on my tank lol. One thought that came to mind while watching you clean up the muck in the stagnant areas of each chamber.. what if you have your media bags elevated slightly? I was thinking something like an egg crate type platform (maybe those drop ceiling egg crate style llight diffusers) on some short legs (maybe small feet made of pvc pipe). Media bag can sit on top, lessens the build up in corners and prevents clogging the media bags. Obviously may be tricky getting into your taller chamber. But just a thought. Thanks for helping me come up with the idea 😂. Thanks for all you do for the community and for keeping all of us motivated!

[@helen4937]

Thanks for all the helpful videos Kev. They have helped me a lot :)

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad to hear it! 😁💪

[@michaelmillares6062]

Wow thanks for the video. Convinced me to never get a sump. That’s horrible

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣

[@lorisheheen2198]

Peep show!🤣 Kev you did a good job with this video! Actually seeing how you cleaned each chamber, Step by Step made it easier to understand. Wow....back breaking work! Sorry you didn't have alot of space to work under there!🫣 Shop Vac definitely needed! Clamps as well! I learned that the hard way!🌊💧💧💧Well done video! 👏💪👍❤️❤️❤️☺️

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you so much Lori! The hard work really pays off the next day, tank is looking amazing this morning! 😁💪

[@lorisheheen2198]

@@KaveManAquatics 👌 I'm so glad!! ☺️❤️❣️

[@reggie2803]

I appreciate everything you do for the channel. That was a lot of work. I was exhausted watching you cleaning the sump.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, it was exhausting work to have had to also film during the process. But I wanted to be transparent about the unspoken about parts of the hobby.

[@williamavery1758]

Wow that was a job just watching you big Kev anyways absolutely love the video it was helpful and like always cant wait till the next one comes out

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it bro, thanks! 😁💪

[@roberthines5597]

Great video, KaveMan showing the world how things are done and may not be as easy as you think..

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, that was exactly the purpose of this video, to show the not so glamorous part of the hobby.

[@yasminlabra3238]

You should use different ribbons to know what each bag is. Love your channel!

[@KaveManAquatics]

If you mean the chemical media I’m only using 2 types. Purigen and phosguard and they’re noticeably different.

[@BankersReef]

Welcome to the salty side, buddy! Great content as always and they Arawana are looking thickkkk!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my bro, the welcome I've been receiving has been an excellent experience so far

[@TheFishBeast]

Very nice cleaning video, bro! Love those ceramic bricks too.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@rcdroneuav9954]

Great vid my bro thanks for the tips you make my life a dream 💪🏻

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. 😊 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@rcdroneuav9954]

@@KaveManAquatics already on it my bro it’s a great little app looking forward to all the updates and improvements seeing it evolve is great 👍🏼

[@gametester47]

21:57 by this point I'd have done the whole what was i thinking speech and reflecting on overfilled bags... just keep at it Kev!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup, EXACTLY!!! 🤣

[@Ljtropicals]

Wow, that was intense I got tired just watching. lol

[@azicepricess]

😂😂😂

[@lorisheheen2198]

Me too!😂

[@KaveManAquatics]

It sure was bro! I'm not looking forward to next year! 🤣🤣 But, hopefully these changes I made will make it much less work on the next full cleaning 💪

[@Freedomz4Everyone]

@@KaveManAquatics Jeff, that was intense dude! Any new upcoming projects Jeffrey?

[@petroman-cg8tt]

Great Video Marine i over do it with the Biohome Ultimate media i use double from what they say to use. it really works but you have to use very large filters. I use the biggest filters Eheim makes. i have 2-Eheim 2262 filters they hold a ton of media and up to 900 gallons per hour that i split the returns so there is not to much turbulence. Joe H Navy Seabee

[@KaveManAquatics]

Appreciate your service sir!

[@cooldisel]

amazing and i wish u all the best :) im also started my first saltwater last month and will be amazing to learn also from you throw out this journey

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice bro! Congrats! 😁💪

[@ShotgunSsergio]

I feel ya I just cleaned my sump yesterday but it’s just a tank so easier access and my stand is super tall. I run 2 Fx6 and a wet dry sump. Amazing the a kind of crap at the bottom of the sump.

[@KaveManAquatics]

It really is! I’m planning to be more diligent with sock changing this year, hopefully that helps!

[@ShotgunSsergio]

@KaveManAquatics thanks to you my refugium is doing freakin awesome. My hortwort is thriving and keeping my nitrates low. Can go almost 2 months now before WC on the 300 gallon.

[@fortunesfishing4766]

Keen as man

[@KaveManAquatics]

😁

[@Julez352]

Great video Kev! I don't have a sump yet but when I do get one I'll have the confidence and knowledge to set it up and maintain it thanks to you! Appreciate all you share with us!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure Julez! While this was hard work to get clean, I still think the sump supplies an amazing amount of filtration! 😁

[@DuzzyDobbin]

Hi mate beautiful tank. Extra bio media always comes in handy setting up new aquariums. Thanks for sharing. Regards Duzzy🇦🇺

[@KaveManAquatics]

Definitely does! Glad you enjoyed it! 😁💪

[@DuzzyDobbin]

@@KaveManAquatics always do! Regards Duzzy🇦🇺

[@FishTankMonsters]

Bro I feel ya I had the same issue I love that sump I had the exact one but I had to 86 it because it was killing me even changing the socks I know exactly what you went threw and believe me bro I feel so bad for you but keep on keeping on

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! IO think with these media placement changes I just implemented next years cleaning should run much smoother lol 😁💪

[@introvertedsoul6175]

Looks amazing kev! But my inexperienced self will just stick with the HOB 😅😂😂😂❤

[@KaveManAquatics]

Totally understand...Everything takes time...took me forever to eventually decide to try a sump 😁

[@rahimkhakee7750]

Wow, you really put a lot of work in this one. The shop vac is a must. (Booty 🤣) Great video Kev

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you brother Rahim!!! Yes bro, get that shop vac, you'll need one eventually 💪

[@doglover4149]

I just have a quick question. I got a new betta tank a few weeks ago and had filled it with betta water. I didn’t know that you were suppose to let the tank cycle first and now my water is awfully cloudy and green. Should I leave it alone or add something/change something in it. It’s a 1.5 gallon tank that has a filter.

[@johnshope620]

I wonder if you cut a small groove just enough for your arm to get in there easily since the hight of the stand is so tight due to the stand? Just a thought, use a jigsaw

[@thomasschaefer8048]

Kev...you should put medium course sponge in that first chamber

[@KaveManAquatics]

I like the fine polishing pad. I just have to do better at replacing them and the socks on a good schedule.

[@josh82685]

I don’t have a tank nearly big enough to need a sump… but this video has made me not want a sump 🤣🤣🤣 I’m exhausted!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Lol I feel that bro, trust me 🤣🤣

[@craighopkins9491]

Can you use the bio media from that tank to start any tank so you don't need to cycle?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Absolutely! That’s one of the pros of a sump. You can remove a bag of media when needed to jump start a new tank.

[@jasona5533]

Dumb question but did you try taking door off hinges or door frame out to get taller stand u really wanted

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, I HIGHLY suggest you watch this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/emTYnmB4hryFodE

[@RyanDahn]

It took me longer to watch this video than it did to watch Dune 2! That said…great vid. Necessary showing what it takes to clean something that big.

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣🤣 That what I call a compliment! 😁💪

[@EzhilNilavan-b6r]

Hello Brother! Can I keep only Male Red head tapajos geophagus in my tank? Kindly Response Brother. Thank You!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes sir

[@rockinrobert1]

So how do you clean your filter socks parrot I put it through the washing machine with no soap and just a tiny bit of bleach but I rinse it twice. Volume washing it twice where's the next to rent

[@KaveManAquatics]

I used to clean them in the washer machine but I’ve changed to just replacing them.

[@yancyhammondjr]

Do you still use any FX6 for your Aquariums?

[@KaveManAquatics]

I do! I have 4 in total. Im releasing a new video tomorrow on the new FX2 canister. Make sure you're subscribed so you wont miss it l😁

[@mikejejenich-pb5zx]

I have the same sump from custom aquariums. How offen do you change the white bio balls ?? The company told me they change one tray. Evory 3 months

[@KaveManAquatics]

Bio media shouldn’t have to be changed ever. I would add some Seachem Matrix to your sump in media bags, and never replace them.

[@mikejejenich-pb5zx]

@@KaveManAquatics it must be a money grab from custom aquariums because they sell it buy the bucket. And say change one tray every 3 months. I agree i Dont think its necessary

[@76honda76]

Bout time, saltwater setup baby !!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes sirrr 😁💪

[@rockinrobert1]

Just out of curiosity do you keep a light on underneath your tank for your plants so they can grow

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes sir! The Refugium light runs during the night time 12 hours of the day. Check out the full Refugium video.

[@Jimenez20]

About to install my g36 ultraflex aquadecor background. Did you cut any holes in yours and add the mesh or is it okay without cutting?

[@KaveManAquatics]

No need to cut anything. Water will find its way around the sides and bottom 💪

[@erick6102]

Your water sprite is the best absorber of phosphate. You don’t really need the chemical filtration if you want to save the money, but it doesn’t hurt either.

[@KaveManAquatics]

You can’t make blanket statements like that without knowing my bio-load, or anyone else’s. I power feed this tank, phosphates rise VERY quickly. While you’re right that the water sprite does great work, so does the Phosguard!

[@erick6102]

@@KaveManAquatics what is your problem with phosphates specifically? do you have algae problems without the phosguard? Are your lights on for a long time in the tank? Do you have room for a bigger refugium? That’s basically what I did was maximize my refugium- but I designed my own sump.

[@erick6102]

@@KaveManAquatics and what’s your water change frequency?

[@MarkChilluffo]

Put those compartments on drawer slides ( pull out- clean-push in

[@KaveManAquatics]

You'll need a ton of slack on drain and return lines to do that, which aint good.

[@donjuan1718]

@seamlesssump an idea...a access window in the front in the largest chamber to see inside and be able to clean it easily.

[@scottgordin9709]

There’s gotta be a easy way to disconnect those inlet hoses and pull that chamber out from under the stand to clean it properly. That’s one thing I would’ve been thinking of while installing the whole set up.

[@KaveManAquatics]

You dont ever want your inlet hoses to disconnect easy...

[@Luxuriouswhite]

I use an automatic filter roller with my sump and because of this i have never had to clean the sump. It catches all the waste that would normally get caught in the filter socks and automatically exports it out of the water column

[@KaveManAquatics]

The rollers are great! And I have a brand new one in the closet. But my issue with the stand height limitation prevents me from using a roller 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@lukematthias9061]

Do you use chemipure blue anymore? Or just purigen?

[@KaveManAquatics]

I’ve tried both alone and I got the same results. So I’ve switched to just Purigen as it’s cheaper and can be used with a higher volume of water.

[@lboogie738aquatics]

That was crazy bro. Would it have Been easier if you ran 2 fx6’s on it Instead? Being as tho there rated for 450 gallons

[@KaveManAquatics]

Possibly, but won’t have the access to media like a sump can provide. And won’t have a Refugium which is doing wonders at keeping nitrates low.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

How old are your Discus now?

[@KaveManAquatics]

About 6 are over a year, about 8 are about 6 months, 3 are a few months old.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

@@KaveManAquatics 👍🏻😎Cleaning that sump was a beotch but I'm sure it was satisfying.

[@reggie2803]

The water sprite in my HOB Refugium died and became a complete mess. Not sure what went wrong.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Light? Flow?

[@naveedyousuf662]

U r awesome bro

[@KaveManAquatics]

😁

[@S2K_World]

Kev how many years ? Dollars? Will cost this setting and passion 😂😂 I'm Super excited start new tank with all beginners advice I hope as we'll learn water parameters..I saw you doin Dexter Lab ❤🐟🫧🐠

[@user-zv7ov4rm5w]

Go head on kave I can't keep you with you!!!!

[@geneInMyveins72]

Why geophagus is back?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Great question! You're the first to notice. The substrate was getting very dirty, and even algae started to creep back up on the substrate. I figured it was due to removing all the Geo's and losing all the sand sifters. I decided to put my biggest Geo back in, just him, so he can keep the substrate clean and he's proven to do some amazing work already. That, and I really wanted him to have more space in the 450 😁

[@arthurpellett9256]

You made my mind up no sumps for me I’ll just stick to my fx6s

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣🤣

[@maverick_nz]

Gosh dang ill stick to my canister filters 🤣

[@KaveManAquatics]

I feel you bro 🤣

[@Scjon03]

Man, and I complain about cleaning my FX6 and 4 canister filters.

[@faithnoman2635]

Haha, I knew you were going to wind up removing that media in the difficult chamber. Because when you said it was clean enough, you didn't sound like you convinced yourself haha

[@KaveManAquatics]

Deep down I really wanted to move the bags and see what was underneath…once I did…there was no turning back lol

[@faithnoman2635]

@@KaveManAquatics I hear you man. I clean parking lots at night both on foot and with a sweeper truck and sometimes I see a mess that wasn't just my job and I'm like "screw that" - a lot of the time I wind up cleaning it before leaving after it rolling around in my head. I FELT the mental process, brother! haha

[@mikekitzman3607]

My tank is cloudy after adding my bio media why

[@KaveManAquatics]

You may not have rinsed it well. But more likely is that you're going through a bacterial bloom which is completely normal. This video will be helpful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/amfJlHuspMqfoqs

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

🔥🔥

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

After watching this video I will definitely stick to the canister filters. I am tired as hell for you bro.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks!!! I feel tired as hell too bro!! 🤣🤣

[@Ridingwheels1]

wow it been a year already , time flys when your keeping fish

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Sirrr!! I was amazed to when I went back to see when the first video was uploaded lol

[@simonmoylan4014]

My sump is a quarter of that size and yeah its a pain in the ass I prefer the clear glass so i can see how dirty everything is

[@KMcnitty44]

Do you ever wish your stand was bigger to allow more space to work?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Absolutely! But my entry door size is what it is 🤷‍♂️

[@KMcnitty44]

@KaveManAquatics I think that's an opportunity for a diy project.... #content I remember the advice you gave me last year about starting my own channel.

[@gavinwilkinson663]

Bro been gym hard 👍🏻

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Sirrr!!! 💪💪

[@edwin_cho]

Hey, i think you're better off using a standard glass sump, much easier to maintain and clean also a very important point is a standard sump doesn't have that much of a dead zone like your last compartment where water doesn't flow at all. The media in there doesn't do anything for the water. Water needs to flow thru the media and not by the media. This sump is not ideal and practical at all.

[@RaymondNowell]

Kev how can I cool my tank down. It won’t cool less than 84 F

[@KaveManAquatics]

This video may be helpful 😁 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYLMZGuNo62GotE

[@commonsense82]

He'll be back to canisters in no time.

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣

[@mikejejenich-pb5zx]

Do you do any maintenance ? On your pumps ? Inside the sump. 🪛. Clean them ?

[@KaveManAquatics]

The pumps might get maintenance once every 2-3 years...They are beasts

[@DJ_G_Smooth]

Kev why PRIME Conditioner than say API, Stress Coat, or Kordon Products, and even Microbe-Lite? I’m doing a full water change tomorrow …

[@KaveManAquatics]

Because Prime also detoxifies ammonia nitrite and nitrate. Its also super concentrated so you use much less of it.