Protein skimmer cleaning

Ruzoko · Mar 8, 2022

Can you clean a protein skimmer with vinegar? Have gunk at the bottom that i cant reach due to cylinder size and bottom doesnt unscrew.

BostonReefer300 · Mar 8, 2022

Definitely. Just make sure you rinse it out well. Might as well bleach it instead and really clean it out

Snoopy 67 · Mar 8, 2022

Sounds like you need a Toilet Brush in your maintenance kit.

Woodyman · Mar 8, 2022

Ruzoko said:
Can you clean a protein skimmer with vinegar? Have gunk at the bottom that i cant reach due to cylinder size and bottom doesnt unscrew.

Yes, however, citric acid will do just as good of a job while being gentler on equipment and yourself, it also doesn't stink up the whole house. Something to consider for the future if you don't have any on hand at the moment.

Sdot · Mar 8, 2022

Ruzoko said:
Can you clean a protein skimmer with vinegar? Have gunk at the bottom that i cant reach due to cylinder size and bottom doesnt unscrew.

Hopefully someone finds this helpful. I tried acids, and chemicals in the past to clean stuff...it always cause an issue in someway shape or form. I suggest taking the skimmer out and if possible...power wash it

Ruzoko · Mar 8, 2022

Snoopy 67 said:
Sounds like you need a Toilet Brush in your maintenance kit.

Even thats too big xD the skimmer tube is like the size of a siphon and the bottom has another tube inside leaving 1/2 inch clearance at the bottom of a 12 inch tube

Ruzoko · Mar 8, 2022

Heres size of the thing

vetteguy53081 · Mar 8, 2022

Ruzoko said:
Can you clean a protein skimmer with vinegar? Have gunk at the bottom that i cant reach due to cylinder size and bottom doesnt unscrew.

I do this occasionally and and mainly with warm water and a soft toothbrush

Pistondog · Mar 8, 2022

Run skimmer for a couple of hours in bucket or container filled with vinegar diluted 1:10 with tap water. Then run for 10 minutes in rodi or saltwater, even old saltwater.
I like vinegar since if a little gets into the tank, it's carbon dosing/safe.