I think I just took a step back

[nick654377]

I will say I am a rookie. Saltwater tank is going on 3 months. Yesterday I was bored and decided to do some maintance on the tank. Well that included cleaning the back glass so I had to take my protein skimmer off. While it was off i decided to clean it. I knew I should not of but I took it all apart and cleaned the whole unit with just water. Did I just restart and have to break it in again? It is not skimming like it used to. I just realized that today when I was looking at it and my cup did not have much skimmate in it. I can normally clean my cup every other day and this morning it was empty. below the cup I am not getting any foam.

 

[ReefGeezer]

It'll be fine. Sometimes, just having your hands in the tank for extended period can shut a skimmer down for a day of so.

 

[polyppal]

No your correct you should clean the skimmer occasionally, esp the pump shafts and things that can get gunked up. It’s not like an initial break-in , It’ll start performing again soon

 

[Dakota_reef]

Also, if you had any residue on your hands (lotions, oils, dirt, etc) it can make a skimmer freak out.

You should, however, clean your skimmer as part of your maintenance schedule a few times a year at least (or more if you have yours blasted by light like me).