Small external "vacuum" pump

[Shawn]

So I'd like to get a pump that I can have two flexible hoses attached to - one sucking detritus and whatnot - similar to a vacuum - and one as the output. Now, most normal people would be fine just using a syphon, but I'm not normal. I want to be able to vacuum my sump as well. So any thoughts as to how I can go about doing this? TIA!!

 

[dball711]

Wet/dry vac?

 

[Shawn]

Wet/dry vac?

Wet - like I know a lot of larger pumps accommodate this by screwing in barbed fittings - but I've yet to see a small one do it - I just need a gallon or so/minute.

 

[Steve Burton]

Maxijet? I have one i attach a hose on the output and vacuum attacment on intake. Used a few times to suck detritus from the display and run to a sock over the sump, but became a pain because it would clog or the sump got too full and I'd have to wait. Canister filter works better.

 

[civics14]

Maxijet? I have one i attach a hose on the output and vacuum attacment on intake

Can you run those external?

 

[Steve Burton]

Can you run those external?

Mine was actually in the water but it would work externally as long as you fill the hose to the pump like when you siphon.

 

[Shawn]

I don't necessarily need the pump out of water - I just want it to be able to suck up detritus while I'm doing a water change but on a smaller scale than the big ole pumps I have currently. That pic you posted @Steve Burton looks perfect - what kind of pump is that?

 

[Shawn]

Found one that's small enough and works for my application!!

https://www.amazon.com/Sicce-Syncra-Aquarium-Pump-251gph/dp/B004ZJDN5Q/ref=pd_sbs_2?pd_rd_w=kpghQ&pf_rd_p=3ec6a47e-bf65-49f8-80f7-0d7c7c7ce2ca&pf_rd_r=N3V3PJBX2PGF02KB9JEG&pd_rd_r=85b9a25e-b381-4535-b3b0-834211694d65&pd_rd_wg=Z2sof&pd_rd_i=B004ZJDN5Q&psc=1

 

[Anthony king]

 

[Shawn]

View attachment 38182

And this is even better!

 

[Adam]

They sell attachment kits for wet/dry vac's and this.

Bucket Head 5 Gallon 1.75 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum Powerhead with Filter Bag and Hose (compatible with 5 Gal. Homer Bucket) BH0100 - The Home Depot

The Bucket Head Wet/Dry Vac Powerhead can be used to turn a The Home Depot brand 5 gal. multi-use bucket (sold separately) into a powerful wet dry vacuum. The powerhead features a 1.75 peak horsepower

www.homedepot.com

MULTI FIT 1-1/4 in. Micro-Cleaning Accessory Kit for Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums VT1215 - The Home Depot

Take on even the smallest of spaces with the MULTI FIT Micro-cleaning Accessory Kit designed for RIDGID or Stinger wet/dry shop vacs. Precision cleaning is right at your fingertips when you add on one

www.homedepot.com

 

[gill]

MJ Vacuum Attachment - Vivid Creative Aquatics (DISCONTINUED) - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[Shawn]

They sell attachment kits for wet/dry vac's and this.

Bucket Head 5 Gallon 1.75 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum Powerhead with Filter Bag and Hose (compatible with 5 Gal. Homer Bucket) BH0100 - The Home Depot

The Bucket Head Wet/Dry Vac Powerhead can be used to turn a The Home Depot brand 5 gal. multi-use bucket (sold separately) into a powerful wet dry vacuum. The powerhead features a 1.75 peak horsepower

www.homedepot.com

MULTI FIT 1-1/4 in. Micro-Cleaning Accessory Kit for Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums VT1215 - The Home Depot

Take on even the smallest of spaces with the MULTI FIT Micro-cleaning Accessory Kit designed for RIDGID or Stinger wet/dry shop vacs. Precision cleaning is right at your fingertips when you add on one

www.homedepot.com

That’s too much too fast. I want to slowly vacuum and water change at the same time.

 

[gill]

Although to be perfectly honest, I find that the maxijet attachment works even better without the maxijet and just long flexible tubing as a siphone. I use it to clean detritus from my sump, which is bare bottom.

 

[Steve Burton]

I don't necessarily need the pump out of water - I just want it to be able to suck up detritus while I'm doing a water change but on a smaller scale than the big ole pumps I have currently. That pic you posted @Steve Burton looks perfect - what kind of pump is that?

Maxijet 1200

 

[Adam]

That’s too much too fast. I want to slowly vacuum and water change at the same time.

Then use the attachment kit and connect it to a narrow hose or tubing to siphon to a bucket. You could also break seal slightly on the vacuum attachment where it meets the bucket to reduce the amount of suction in the hose.

Lowe's also has the good buckets that aren't opaque and there's graduations on the side. They also have foam handles.

 

[Eric_n_Ga]

Walmart .com sells a 9$ fountain pump . Has barb fittings on intake and out flow side.

1/2" hose and an adjustable ball valve on the intake side and you are in business.

 

[Doberman13]

My friend has one of these he uses for freshwater, he loves it. It has a filter so it doesn't need a hose going into the filter sock

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fluval-aqua-vac-gravel-cleaner-2915618?recrawl

 

[mattgee87]

What I do is us a maxi jet with the "exhaust" tube going back into the sump before the filter. I run it to my hearts content then change out the filter media

 

[Shawn]

So I purchased a maxi jet 1200 and I’ll basically be vacuuming and doing my water changes at the same time.