A system for removing sludge from a collection area having at least one collection conduit for receiving and collecting sludge. The at least one collection conduit has at least one opening for receiving sludge. The system further includes a sludge collection control member operably associated with at least a portion of the at least one collection conduit for varying at least one sludge collection characteristic of the at least one collection conduit. The sludge collection control member for varying at least one sludge collection characteristic of the at least one collection conduit is preferably configured such that it can be readily added to an existing sludge removal system.