brown dust like material in sump

[fonz4u]

I have a 3 chamber sump 1st skimmer, 2nd return pump, 3rd chamber refugium. i have noticed an increase in that brown dirt like material that settles in the skimmer chamber. it seems like more and more keeps coming out, any body know how to get rid of it. water from display tank drains into 1st chamber. i do have a filter sock and using an ASM g3 skimmer, anyone have any tips to get rid of this stuff. been in hobby for 2 yrs, DT is 90 gl, with 35 gl sump

Thxs for ur help

 

[IEreefmaster]

I have a 3 chamber sump 1st skimmer, 2nd return pump, 3rd chamber refugium. i have noticed an increase in that brown dirt like material that settles in the skimmer chamber. it seems like more and more keeps coming out, any body know how to get rid of it. water from display tank drains into 1st chamber. i do have a filter sock and using an ASM g3 skimmer, anyone have any tips to get rid of this stuff. been in hobby for 2 yrs, DT is 90 gl, with 35 gl sump

Thxs for ur help

How long has the tank been set up?

 

[fonz4u]

tank been up for 15 months

 

[Clifford]

I am not sure how to spell it, but its called detritus. Needs to be vacuumed up just like the sand.

 

[fonz4u]

oh thats what that is. ok doesnt it get filtered out by sock filter or out through skimmer

 

[Clifford]

No. Just sits on the bottom. As far as I know each tank accumulates different amounts and at different rates. No one that I have seen, read, or heard has come up with a solution or an answer as to what causes it or a method for clean up other than a vacuum.

 

[fonz4u]

i have always had a little bit, but recently their appears to be more. I was thinking of using a black sponge like material to keep it from going to return pump chamber and into DT.

 

[Clifford]

I doubt it will end up in your pump. Keep in mind there are a million ways to run reef tanks. My theory is the more filter media (socks, sponge, floss) the more places you have for fish poop to hang out.

 

[mattmike0405]

I have the same exact problem with my g4x. More and more keeps getting built up.

 

[RustyShackleford]

bhaaa I have the same problem in my sump, but I am also running GFO and I think that has something to do with it... it almost looks like brown hair.