Are skimmer neck cleaners beneficial ?

ReefPharmer · 05/15/2018, 03:27 AM

I have a vertex neck cleaner on my skimmer and was watching it work the other day. It drops the crap back into the skimmer body. I realize that it’s supposed to provide more stable skimming by cleaning the neck but if it’s dropping the junk back into the skimmer, is it actually helping ?

If I didn’t have it, I would clean the cup more often, removing the neck buildup .

Ps I realize there are more expensive neck cleaners but avast, reef octo and vertex are all about the same and work similarly.

mcgyvr · 05/15/2018, 04:55 AM

I've always been skeptical that they do anything more than put a hole in your wallet and just offer some "cool toy" factor....

By your own admission you seem to be implying that you would be removing more buildup from the tank if you didn't have one.. That says no...

I think the intention behind what they can potentially do might be ok but the actual implementation of the technology is inferior..

Dmorty217 · 05/15/2018, 07:36 AM

They are beneficial sure, but nothing that you can't do with a little labor. Kind of like auto water change systems

FirstContact · 05/15/2018, 11:39 AM

Just a time saver. If you set it to rotate more frequently maybe more of the crap will overflow the cup instead of building up on the side of the cup, but you make a good point.

ReefPharmer · 05/15/2018, 04:30 PM

What ends up happening is it spins 3 times a day, keeping the neck relatively clean. The problem is that the “gunk” sticks to the actual cleaner and it falls back into the skimmer as it gets overgunked. I generally take it out once a month and wash it off but that’s enough time for it to build half inch of thickness of gunk, plus what broke off back into the skimmer.

slief · 05/15/2018, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReefPharmer

What ends up happening is it spins 3 times a day, keeping the neck relatively clean. The problem is that the “gunk” sticks to the actual cleaner and it falls back into the skimmer as it gets overgunked. I generally take it out once a month and wash it off but that’s enough time for it to build half inch of thickness of gunk, plus what broke off back into the skimmer.

Skim wetter.. That will reduce the amount of gunk on the wiper arm as well as the neck and lid.

Subpilot · 10/10/2018, 08:33 PM

I wonder how negatively it affects the flow of foam as the cleaner is blocking off part of the neck. Would think that ruptures bubbles etc.

mikeatjac · 10/12/2018, 04:00 AM

The neck cleaner has been a benefit for me. Once your neck “gunks” up the skimmer does not produce as well.

05/15/2018, 03:27 AM	#1
ReefPharmer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,836	Are skimmer neck cleaners beneficial ? I have a vertex neck cleaner on my skimmer and was watching it work the other day. It drops the crap back into the skimmer body. I realize that it’s supposed to provide more stable skimming by cleaning the neck but if it’s dropping the junk back into the skimmer, is it actually helping ? If I didn’t have it, I would clean the cup more often, removing the neck buildup . Ps I realize there are more expensive neck cleaners but avast, reef octo and vertex are all about the same and work similarly.

05/15/2018, 04:55 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	I've always been skeptical that they do anything more than put a hole in your wallet and just offer some "cool toy" factor.... By your own admission you seem to be implying that you would be removing more buildup from the tank if you didn't have one.. That says no... I think the intention behind what they can potentially do might be ok but the actual implementation of the technology is inferior.. __________________ Who me?

05/15/2018, 07:36 AM	#3
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	They are beneficial sure, but nothing that you can't do with a little labor. Kind of like auto water change systems __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

05/15/2018, 11:39 AM	#4
FirstContact Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Glenn Dale, MD Posts: 1,613	Just a time saver. If you set it to rotate more frequently maybe more of the crap will overflow the cup instead of building up on the side of the cup, but you make a good point. __________________ No man is an island entire of itself; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne Current Tank Info: 120g Reef 100g Rubbermaid Sump, 20g Refugium; previous tank: 46g Drilled; Self Plumbed, Birds Nest, Anchor, Xenia, Zoas, Yuma Yuma Ricordea, Chalice, Mushrooms, Brain, Acan, Anenome Plate; Clams, Other Inverts, Fish, Live Rock

10/12/2018, 04:00 AM	#8
mikeatjac Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 2,433	The neck cleaner has been a benefit for me. Once your neck “gunks” up the skimmer does not produce as well. __________________ Red Sea Reefer 525 - BK 160- G5 Blue - GHL

05/15/2018, 04:30 PM	#5
ReefPharmer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,836	What ends up happening is it spins 3 times a day, keeping the neck relatively clean. The problem is that the “gunk” sticks to the actual cleaner and it falls back into the skimmer as it gets overgunked. I generally take it out once a month and wash it off but that’s enough time for it to build half inch of thickness of gunk, plus what broke off back into the skimmer.

10/10/2018, 08:33 PM	#7
Subpilot Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: San Pedro Posts: 155	I wonder how negatively it affects the flow of foam as the cleaner is blocking off part of the neck. Would think that ruptures bubbles etc.