Sump Drain

Excess food had been carried into the sump. We need to fit 'socks' to the inlet pipes to filter out solid material such as food and fish waste. The sump was drained as much as possible by continuing the recirculation while tank valves were turned off. Once the water level had fallen below the pump valve the motor was switched off and a hose connected to the outlet valve at the base of the sump. All water and excess food etc. was drained. New water from the rainwater tank was added and the recirculation restarted. Excess food will decompose releasing dangerous nitrates and ammonia into the system.