Rinsing a Skimmer Cup with ATO

[PaulPerger]

I am setting up a new Reef Tank (See my build thread link below) and as I was working on it over the weekend I had a "Why Don't I..." moment.

My skimmer cup has a drain plug and I have been intending on running a drain line from that plug directly to my drain. I am also running a drain line from the tank to make water changes much more simple. So using the drain plug on the skimmer seems like a no brainer.

I know I will still have to occasionally remove the cup and clean it, but I also will have an ATO and my thought was, "Why not run a T-line in my ATO line and run RO Water into the cup whenever my ATO kicks on to help rinse the "yuck" out of my skimmer cup?"

So, my question is this... Is this a brilliant idea? Or am I not thinking about something that might be a disaster waiting to happen?

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Ideas are what fuel our hobby.
That said I like the idea about using it to flush the cup so to speak if I understand right. If you drain line is already open from the collection cup most of the skim will already be out.

The remaining skim will be sludge depending on how your skimmer is set, and probably too thick to have an ATO line wash it out. You would also be emptying your rodi res twice as fast.

Just My thoughts but lots of great invention would not be here if they still didn’t try.

 

[Tastee]

Ideas are what fuel our hobby.

I agree, interesting idea. I’m not sure it will help a lot though. The thicker skim-mate is going to build up on the inside of the neck as well as around the cup. Lubricating the cup with RODI during a top-up will probably not move much and won’t touch the neck. In fact it may help cause sludge to clog your drain line.

Worth a try however!