Skimmer cleaning

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Idoc

Getting lazier and lazier with upkeep!
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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.
 
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?
 
I clean neck bi-weekly and rest of unit 2-3 per year
 
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.
 
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.

F6407030-7FF3-4D12-B46D-B8E7FA281F64.jpeg
 
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.

F6407030-7FF3-4D12-B46D-B8E7FA281F64.jpeg
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 

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