Question on a Aquamax HOB skimmer

[enzo]

I really like this skimmer, the idea of how it works and the style. Question, does anyone know how to slow down the salt and calcium build up in the air intake on the pump. Because im taking it apart once a month to open the air hole(can the hole be opened a little more). Im also thinking maybe to pour some fresh water every few days in the air tube. I dont know im just reaching. Also I'm losing bubbles because the collection cup is not straight. I put a straight edge on the collection cup and it's has a bow to it, any way to solve this. You can see that I put a piece of shim up there to try fill in the bow on the cup.
Thanks

 

[GoPitt88]

I have the same skimmer and have the same problem, except not as bad. I can go a couple/few months until I have to clear the air intake. I just remove the internal assembly (keeping the outside mounted to the tank), and soak it in a vinegar/water solution for a couple hours. Do you dose? If so, how much? Just wondering why yours gets blocked so fast.

 

[enzo]

I dont really dose, i just do weekly water changes. But ill try to use the vinegar cleaning. Are you losing bubbles by your collection cup.

 

[GoPitt88]

Yes, as the air intake gets restricted, I get less bubbles and the skimmer is less efficient. Another thing I used to do instead of using vinegar was to take a cheap hanger, bend the hook till it was straight, and use it to scrape out the intake until it was clean. Anything like that would work. I think it’s more of a calcium buildup.