Cleaning my skimmer

Slarti · Jun 22, 2017

Now I admit that I have done very little research on this but in passing have read about 'breaking in' the skimmer. This made me think if I have to break it in, how do I clean it so as not to break this breaking in...so to speak?

So in my case I take the cup off, empty and clean the cup every week with my water change...or more regular if it starts filling up. The bottom part just keeps on chucking along and I will take that out about once every 6 months and clean all the bits and pieces.

Does that sound about right or should I be changing anything?

Can add that cleaning is basically under running water with a sponge including forcing the sponge through the neck of the cup a couple of times which cleans it out fairly well.

And finally, no fancy skimmer I got but just one that came with the tank as part of the set-up. Called AquaOne, not even sure you guys will get it in the US of A...

leepink23 · Jun 22, 2017

That is what I do andnever had any issues after 3 years.

Mikedawg · Jun 22, 2017

Slarti said:
Now I admit that I have done very little research on this but in passing have read about 'breaking in' the skimmer. This made me think if I have to break it in, how do I clean it so as not to break this breaking in...so to speak?

So in my case I take the cup off, empty and clean the cup every week with my water change...or more regular if it starts filling up. The bottom part just keeps on chucking along and I will take that out about once every 6 months and clean all the bits and pieces.

Does that sound about right or should I be changing anything?

Can add that cleaning is basically under running water with a sponge including forcing the sponge through the neck of the cup a couple of times which cleans it out fairly well.

And finally, no fancy skimmer I got but just one that came with the tank as part of the set-up. Called AquaOne, not even sure you guys will get it in the US of A...

That's a good routine to keep your skimmer "broken in" as long as the heavy duty gunk is removed. I would focus on keeping the cup and the neck of the skimmer clean and you could use white vinegar or hot water and a toothbrush if you really want to keep it clean.

Slarti · Jun 22, 2017

Mikedawg said:
That's a good routine to keep your skimmer "broken in" as long as the heavy duty gunk is removed. I would focus on keeping the cup and the neck of the skimmer clean and you could use white vinegar or hot water and a toothbrush if you really want to keep it clean.

Thanks, appreciate the reply. That is basically it, heavy stuff comes off and over time the neck has got darker in colour but still feels clean to the touch once the sponge has done its work.