Protein skimmer maintanance

chewieee · 05/06/2008, 02:17 PM

I have a aqua c EV 120 thats been running on my tank for 8 months now. I clean the collection cup and the neck once a week. The neck i just clean off inside with a wet paper towel there is some coralline algae growing on the inside of the neck in some spots. My question is should i take the whole skimmer out and clean it very well inside and outside with vinegar and such as a regular once or twice a year thing? Or is it ok to just cleant he cup and neck?

Peter Eichler · 05/06/2008, 02:43 PM

I'd suggest taking it down and running vinegar and water through it in a container overnight every few months. At least that's what I do and in addition to cleaning the skimmer body it'll help keep the pump from building up deposits.

sabbath · 05/06/2008, 03:08 PM

One note: I have to clean the pump and nozzle to the skimmer every couple months or it only skims dry.

mcrist · 05/06/2008, 04:18 PM

I prefer to use muriatic acid since it will only take a few minutes to get it clean. I clean my skimmer at least twice a year.

Aquarist007 · 05/06/2008, 04:31 PM

The air venturi can become plugged on a skimmer with salt creep and precipitates. I find about once a month I have to take a hammer and small nail and re-open the air venturi.
The housing and the turbo also get loaded up with copopods and needs rinsing out

down and outman · 05/06/2008, 05:33 PM

A small drill bit works good to clear the venturi. I take apart the pump periodically and give it a good cleaning. Keeps it humming.

o.c.d. · 05/06/2008, 06:16 PM

I know this sucks but I started to clean my skimmer cup every second day and the improvement is noticeable I would recommend to give it a try to anyone.
I also disassemble my skimmer clean scrub every part anytime performance is lacking or 3months or so.

Aquarist007 · 05/06/2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by o.c.d.
I know this sucks but I started to clean my skimmer cup every second day and the improvement is noticeable I would recommend to give it a try to anyone.
I also disassemble my skimmer clean scrub every part anytime performance is lacking or 3months or so.

sucks? I thought everyone cleaned the skimmer cup every second day

along with filter socks if you are even using them at all

vanmo92 · 05/06/2008, 07:23 PM

With my skimmer every few months I take it out, and up to the bathtub with a brush and clean it out real well. But other than that I only clean the cup and neck like you do.

05/06/2008, 02:17 PM	#1
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	Protein skimmer maintanance I have a aqua c EV 120 thats been running on my tank for 8 months now. I clean the collection cup and the neck once a week. The neck i just clean off inside with a wet paper towel there is some coralline algae growing on the inside of the neck in some spots. My question is should i take the whole skimmer out and clean it very well inside and outside with vinegar and such as a regular once or twice a year thing? Or is it ok to just cleant he cup and neck?

05/06/2008, 02:43 PM	#2
Peter Eichler Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,081	I'd suggest taking it down and running vinegar and water through it in a container overnight every few months. At least that's what I do and in addition to cleaning the skimmer body it'll help keep the pump from building up deposits. __________________ April 2015 TOTM

05/06/2008, 04:18 PM	#4
mcrist Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania Posts: 1,598	I prefer to use muriatic acid since it will only take a few minutes to get it clean. I clean my skimmer at least twice a year. __________________ Mark Current Tank Info: 450 Gallon Peninsula

05/06/2008, 04:31 PM	#5
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	The air venturi can become plugged on a skimmer with salt creep and precipitates. I find about once a month I have to take a hammer and small nail and re-open the air venturi. The housing and the turbo also get loaded up with copopods and needs rinsing out __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

05/06/2008, 05:33 PM	#6
down and outman Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: LaGrange GA Posts: 480	A small drill bit works good to clear the venturi. I take apart the pump periodically and give it a good cleaning. Keeps it humming. __________________ " There you go, Lad. Keep as cool as you can. Face piles of trials with smiles..." Moody Blues (Thanks Homegrown for keeping me straight!) Current Tank Info: 90Gal AGA, 25 g sump, Mag 7, Koralia 4's

05/06/2008, 03:08 PM	#3
sabbath Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Twin City's Mn. Posts: 1,771	One note: I have to clean the pump and nozzle to the skimmer every couple months or it only skims dry.

05/06/2008, 06:16 PM	#7
o.c.d. Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 739	I know this sucks but I started to clean my skimmer cup every second day and the improvement is noticeable I would recommend to give it a try to anyone. I also disassemble my skimmer clean scrub every part anytime performance is lacking or 3months or so.

05/06/2008, 07:23 PM	#9
vanmo92 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Silverthorne, CO. Posts: 2,045	With my skimmer every few months I take it out, and up to the bathtub with a brush and clean it out real well. But other than that I only clean the cup and neck like you do. __________________ PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 72 gallon bow Mixed Reef 1 fw tank