giving a new skimmer a vinegar bath??

Devaji108 · 12/21/2011, 12:27 PM

so it's time to fire up my skimmer it is a reef octopus NWB 150.
so should I give it a vinegar bath or just wash it in fresh water.
the goal is to help the "break in" time and reduces the chances of overflowing.
if the vinegar bath is the way to go is there a formula that works best? how many cups per gallon that sort of thing...

I don't expect it to start pulling crap out as I don't have LR yet but wanted to start the skimmer and get it dialed in...
cheers
Deva

sirreal63 · 12/21/2011, 05:10 PM

Vinegar, I would go 50/50 on the mix. It will help break down the mfg oils and release agents. A clean, never used sponge or a clean rag to scrub helps too.

Devaji108 · 12/21/2011, 05:37 PM

cool thanks I'll be doing that tonight!

racedout · 12/21/2011, 06:53 PM

/agree Make sure you dilute the vinegar as previously stated and all will be well

tkeracer619 · 12/21/2011, 09:23 PM

I would put it in a tub. Fill it with water so the pump is submerged. Turn the pump on. And pour distilled white vinegar into the water until the skimmer starts to operate properly. 50/50 is fine and all but ime not necessary.

Now once the thing is covered in crud, coraline, tube worms, ect 50/50 is the way to go.

12/21/2011, 12:27 PM	#1
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	giving a new skimmer a vinegar bath?? so it's time to fire up my skimmer it is a reef octopus NWB 150. so should I give it a vinegar bath or just wash it in fresh water. the goal is to help the "break in" time and reduces the chances of overflowing. if the vinegar bath is the way to go is there a formula that works best? how many cups per gallon that sort of thing... I don't expect it to start pulling crap out as I don't have LR yet but wanted to start the skimmer and get it dialed in... cheers Deva

12/21/2011, 05:10 PM	#2
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Vinegar, I would go 50/50 on the mix. It will help break down the mfg oils and release agents. A clean, never used sponge or a clean rag to scrub helps too. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

12/21/2011, 09:23 PM	#5
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I would put it in a tub. Fill it with water so the pump is submerged. Turn the pump on. And pour distilled white vinegar into the water until the skimmer starts to operate properly. 50/50 is fine and all but ime not necessary. Now once the thing is covered in crud, coraline, tube worms, ect 50/50 is the way to go. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

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12/21/2011, 05:37 PM	#3
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	cool thanks I'll be doing that tonight!

12/21/2011, 06:53 PM	#4
racedout Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 67	/agree Make sure you dilute the vinegar as previously stated and all will be well