Skimmer cleaning

[Idoc]

How often is it recommended to clean the inside of a skimmer (not meaning the skimmate cup)?

Mine has some darker gunk on the sides inside but works great.

 

[Scurvy]

I do mine about twice a year. Its the pump I cant see that always gets me to pull and clean it though.

Need to do my return soon actually as Im coming up on a year.

 

[gtrider]

i do mine 2-3x a year. also clean the pump.

 

[Idoc]

I do mine about twice a year. Its the pump I cant see that always gets me to pull and clean it though.

Need to do my return soon actually as Im coming up on a year.

i do mine 2-3x a year. also clean the pump.

How are you cleaning the skimmer? Judy running vinegar/ water through it or soaking it?

 

[Scurvy]

How are you cleaning the skimmer? Judy running vinegar/ water through it or soaking it?

I run it for a couple hours in water/vinegar then pull it apart and give a once over with a brush.

 

[FactoryKTMmotocross46]

I keep mine in the dark so there is no algae or coraline growth which helps a lot.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I clean neck bi-weekly and rest of unit 2-3 per year

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I keep a toilet brush for each skimmer I have. When the cup is ready to empty (I empty at half full), I turn the skimmer off, take cup off, scrub neck with toilet brush, replace cup and turn back on. Wait 10-15 minutes for the gunk to go in the cup, turn skimmer back off, remove the cup, dump/wash it, and wash the toilet brush as well. It gets coralline growth still, but I vinegar soak that twice a year or so.

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

Toilet brush is a great idea, thanks for mentioning that

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I forgot to mention, I keep it in the sump the entire time as well. Wash it and put it back in after use. Before use, shake in DT and give the fish a pod treat lol.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I forgot to mention, I keep it in the sump the entire time as well. Wash it and put it back in after use. Before use, shake in DT and give the fish a pod treat lol.

Ohh make sure it is the super cheap one from Walmart or the Dollar General. They don’t have any metal in their construction. All plastic.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I keep a toilet brush for each skimmer I have. When the cup is ready to empty (I empty at half full), I turn the skimmer off, take cup off, scrub neck with toilet brush, replace cup and turn back on. Wait 10-15 minutes for the gunk to go in the cup, turn skimmer back off, remove the cup, dump/wash it, and wash the toilet brush as well. It gets coralline growth still, but I vinegar soak that twice a year or so.

Very ingenious !!! Buying one at dollar store tomorrow

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Very ingenious !!! Buying one at dollar store tomorrow

Just make sure it’s the one with no metal if you plan to leave it in the tank. If it’s the one with a bendable end, the metal is coated and you just keep out of tank. My sons puffer tank has a bendable one as sump space is tight. 2 years and no rust seen, but it gets rinsed off and hung up after each use.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Just make sure it’s the one with no metal if you plan to leave it in the tank. If it’s the one with a bendable end, the metal is coated and you just keep out of tank. My sons puffer tank has a bendable one as sump space is tight. 2 years and no rust seen, but it gets rinsed off and hung up after each use.

LOL - wont be metal at a Dollar store

 

[Eagle_Steve]

LOL - wont be metal at a Dollar store

They do have a bendable one for 4 bucks that has metal, but the dollar one is all plastic lol.

 

[Idoc]

I keep mine in the dark so there is no algae or coraline growth which helps a lot.

I still haven't put the doors on my stand yet, so it gets some room lighting.