How do I clean my protein skimmer

CharlieAsh · Oct 15, 2022

I pulled the entire sump out to replumb after getting a new pump a few months ago. The old plumbing made it impossible to fully assemble the skimmer, so it hasn't been on in about 3 months (I know it isn't ideal, and I did a lot of frustrating work to compensate while learning enough about plumbing to tackle it). When I looked at the protein skimmer today I figured it could use some help.

I inherited this tank, which means I get to handle issues of years of use without having years of experience... Which is to say, I don't know how best to clean this or what the necessary maintenance is in the future (aside from cleaning the top bit regularly).

Any advice or guidance would be appreciated!

Rmckoy · Oct 15, 2022

Do you know what make skimmer it is ?

depending how long it’s been dry soaking it in a vinegar and water bath

I use the blue scotch brite pads and take extra care not to scratch the inside of the skimmer .

take it apart as much as possible .
bottle brush , q tips will help reaching places to clean .

if you can take the pump off prior to the vinegar soak that will help . Vinegar will eventually damage the magnetic pumps impeller

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Oct 15, 2022

Rmckoy said:
Do you know what make skimmer it is ?

depending how long it’s been dry soaking it in a vinegar and water bath

I use the blue scotch brite pads and take extra care not to scratch the inside of the skimmer .

take it apart as much as possible .
bottle brush , q tips will help reaching places to clean .

if you can take the pump off prior to the vinegar soak that will help . Vinegar will eventually damage the magnetic pumps impeller

I suggest using citric acid instead of vinegar.

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Oct 15, 2022

Sicce pump clean. Let it soak than scrub it with a soft grade toothbrush.
D

Lbrdsoxfan · Oct 15, 2022

Erin1971Texas said:
I suggest using citric acid instead of vinegar.

Yup. Soak it in a 5 gal bucket for a bit, voila good as new. That vinegar will yellow the plastic eventually.

Rmckoy · Oct 15, 2022

Lbrdsoxfan said:
Yup. Soak it in a 5 gal bucket for a bit, voila good as new. That vinegar will yellow the plastic eventually.

See ..
vinegar only good for carbon dosing .

CharlieAsh · Oct 15, 2022

Rmckoy said:
Do you know what make skimmer it is ?

depending how long it’s been dry soaking it in a vinegar and water bath

I use the blue scotch brite pads and take extra care not to scratch the inside of the skimmer .

take it apart as much as possible .
bottle brush , q tips will help reaching places to clean .

if you can take the pump off prior to the vinegar soak that will help . Vinegar will eventually damage the magnetic pumps impeller

It says Reefer Skimmer on the side.

I wasnt sure if vinegar would harm it. I clean my power heads in it occasionally and it helps so much!

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Oct 15, 2022

Rmckoy said:
See ..
vinegar only good for carbon dosing .

No, vinegar is ok for cleaning, but citric acid has some advantages

CharlieAsh · Oct 15, 2022

monkeyCmonkeyDo said:
Sicce pump clean. Let it soak than scrub it with a soft grade toothbrush.
D

Is this something i should be using for other applications as well?

CharlieAsh · Oct 15, 2022

Erin1971Texas said:
No, vinegar is ok for cleaning, but citric acid has some advantages

Where do I get citric acid? What are the perks? (Might help me with some other cleaning frustrations)

Rmckoy · Oct 15, 2022

CharlieAsh said:
It says Reefer Skimmer on the side.

I wasnt sure if vinegar would harm it. I clean my power heads in it occasionally and it helps so much!

Vinegar is on for cleaning but there are reports of the vinegar swelling the magnets or impeller shortening the life of the pump .