How do I clean my skimmer?

fasteddie99 · 11/14/2008, 06:06 PM

I have a HOB skimmer that was working well for about 5 months but for about 2 weeks now it has been gurgling and putting way more micro bubbles in the tank than what it should. I was wondering if I could set it in my utility sink with bleech in it and let it circulate throughout for a little while. Is that possible?

mfinn · 11/14/2008, 06:14 PM

Use straight vinerger.

Jeff · 11/14/2008, 06:15 PM

I agree, vinager works better then bleach and is safer.

EllieSuz · 11/14/2008, 11:44 PM

I mix white vinegar and water 50/50 and let the skimmer run in a bucket or sink or whatever. Let it circulate for a half hour or so and then run clean water through it. A small amount of vinegar is not harmful to your tank, but it's advisable to rinse well anyway. Bleach sterilizes but does not dissolve calcium deposits. In addition, bleach is deadly to livestock.

11/14/2008, 06:06 PM	#1
fasteddie99 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,028	How do I clean my skimmer? I have a HOB skimmer that was working well for about 5 months but for about 2 weeks now it has been gurgling and putting way more micro bubbles in the tank than what it should. I was wondering if I could set it in my utility sink with bleech in it and let it circulate throughout for a little while. Is that possible?

11/14/2008, 06:14 PM	#2
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	Use straight vinerger. __________________ 240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank

11/14/2008, 06:15 PM	#3
Jeff Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,907	I agree, vinager works better then bleach and is safer. __________________ Always remember.... any time you reef, you also reef with every reefer that reefer has reefed with. Mitch 2/18/10 IWNFT343F Current Tank Info: Innovative Marine 20

11/14/2008, 11:44 PM	#4
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	I mix white vinegar and water 50/50 and let the skimmer run in a bucket or sink or whatever. Let it circulate for a half hour or so and then run clean water through it. A small amount of vinegar is not harmful to your tank, but it's advisable to rinse well anyway. Bleach sterilizes but does not dissolve calcium deposits. In addition, bleach is deadly to livestock. __________________ "You can't learn this hobby one question at a time." (Mr. Tuskfish) Eileen Current Tank Info: I'm out of the hobby, but used to have a60 gal. reef, refugium in sump, Internal Mag 9 return, SC 302 skimmer, two Maxi-Jet 1200's modded, four bulb T5 Lighting, Reefkeeper Lite Controller with three PC4's, Little Fishes GFO reactor.