complete skimmer cleaning

maynardjames · 09/17/2009, 06:58 PM

interested in how many break down skimmer & clean everything
and how often. . does it take a while to start producing after? any pros & cons noticed all replies welcome

bhdmc · 09/18/2009, 12:17 PM

I just clean the cup and neck once a week. The body stay pretty clean, but once in a while I would clean it with acrylic scrubber while it is running. Do not touch the box since you cannot get into it.

ludnix · 09/18/2009, 12:50 PM

I have a large in sump skimmer so it's not super easy to break it down and clean it all, but I try to do it every 6 months I guess. I clean the neck and cup every 3 days, and the actual body while it's running every 2 weeks or so. The actual breaking down and giving it a vinegar bath only happens twice a year though.

Last time I did a full cleaning it started skimming immediately.

DLANDINO · 09/18/2009, 01:26 PM

I completely clean my Deltec MCE600 every week.

downhillbiker · 09/18/2009, 01:38 PM

I didnt vote. I clean my AquaC EV1000 every week. I clean the spray injector, body, cup, and bucket that I use for remote skimmate collector. I turn the ball valve 1/4 turn and use a brush to clean body while it is running wet. I have a 100g sump in the basement so it is super easy to get to.

dendronepthya · 09/18/2009, 02:37 PM

The skimmer cup is cleaned probably twice a week. Actually taking a pump out and cleaning the impeller occurs once every 3 months or so.

Originalrocket · 09/18/2009, 03:19 PM

Completely clean my skimmer once a month. That is every water change. Also clean the sump and equipment and lighting system.

View Poll Results: total skimmer cleaning how often?
12 months	5	16.67%
6 months	7	23.33%
3 months	7	23.33%
never	11	36.67%
Voters: 30. You may not vote on this poll

09/17/2009, 06:58 PM	#1
maynardjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: west tennessee Posts: 1,600	complete skimmer cleaning interested in how many break down skimmer & clean everything and how often. . does it take a while to start producing after? any pros & cons noticed all replies welcome __________________ if your 555 Current Tank Info: 120 rr dual overflows, solarflare t5 fixture,octo extreme 200,vortech mp40w esx2. brs reactor for carbon, brs reactor for gfo, 40 gal breeder sump

09/18/2009, 12:50 PM	#3
ludnix Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,031	I have a large in sump skimmer so it's not super easy to break it down and clean it all, but I try to do it every 6 months I guess. I clean the neck and cup every 3 days, and the actual body while it's running every 2 weeks or so. The actual breaking down and giving it a vinegar bath only happens twice a year though. Last time I did a full cleaning it started skimming immediately. __________________ -Eric Sutter Current Tank Info: 14g Biocube

09/18/2009, 01:26 PM	#4
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	I completely clean my Deltec MCE600 every week. __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

09/18/2009, 01:38 PM	#5
downhillbiker Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 2,831	I didnt vote. I clean my AquaC EV1000 every week. I clean the spray injector, body, cup, and bucket that I use for remote skimmate collector. I turn the ball valve 1/4 turn and use a brush to clean body while it is running wet. I have a 100g sump in the basement so it is super easy to get to. __________________ The friendliest GIANT you'll ever meet. Current Tank Info: 200g Marineland Deep Dimension (Lumenmax Reflectors/Dual PFO 400w/Radium 20K) and 2xFrag Tanks (One TEK T5 fixture and one MH, Galaxy/Phoenix) on same system w/100g sump w/6"x100g DSB, AquaC EV-1000 Skimmer, Reeflo Barracuda return pump

09/18/2009, 12:17 PM	#2
bhdmc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 956	I just clean the cup and neck once a week. The body stay pretty clean, but once in a while I would clean it with acrylic scrubber while it is running. Do not touch the box since you cannot get into it.

09/18/2009, 02:37 PM	#6
dendronepthya Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Akron, OH, USA Posts: 3,762	The skimmer cup is cleaned probably twice a week. Actually taking a pump out and cleaning the impeller occurs once every 3 months or so. __________________ - Than (dendro) Current Tank Info: 5000-gallon greenhouse system

09/18/2009, 03:19 PM	#7
Originalrocket Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 9	Completely clean my skimmer once a month. That is every water change. Also clean the sump and equipment and lighting system.