When to clean skimmer cup?

[omard]

Was wondering how often to clean --- or know when to clean the skimate collection cup on my EV-180???

Have been doing about once a month...and it is really "filthy" (coated in yuk and muck)...does that mean I need to do more often....as I drain content into a external container, it is kind of hard to really know if production is falling off...

Am thinking that cleaning too often might be worse then not enough...

Actually it seems to work better when a bit "dirty"...

Just wondering on what to look for to tell if I need to do less/or more often...

Any idea's?

Rgds,

OmarD

[captivereefs]

I like to clean any skimmer cup biweekly.

[JohnO]

OmarD,

I think once a month is sufficient.

You can always tell whether 'production' is dropping off by the amount and colour of the skimmate you have in your collection container.

The only thing you need to watch out for is if the drain tube gets blocked, that will cause problems

John :-)

[Craig Manoukian]

I clean mine weekly as it is full by then!

[IceDragon]

for the curring process how often should you empty the cup?

[Craig Manoukian]

When it's full!

[JohnO]

Or when you partner starts shouting at you because it stinks

John

[omard]

"AMEEN" to that JohnO...

Having a drain plug fitting on cup a "must have" on skimmer collection cups - I think they are standard on the AquaC models now...but I had to "retrofit" my old Remora with one (using a dremel) which was really a pain, as I could have ordered it with it for extra $5...but the EV-180 came with it (I think)...

First just ran drain into plastic bucket...but "smell" almost drove both me and tank to back yard (wife has very "sensitive" nose - and was NOT happy - > )

So made one investment in one of these - and now can could go over a month without worrying about draining...with no "smell" whatsoever...GREAT INVESTMENT!

http://www.proteinskimmer.com/productsnew.htm

All well in the household once again -

OmarD

PS: Anyone ever thought of/tried out using foul smelling "soup" in garden? - would think it would be great for plants....think I will add some in sprayer today and give a try...(don't think "smell" would be an issue if diluted enough)...

Anyone here ever "experience" "nukbaum" (sp?)...smelled just like it as I recall...and people actually ate that stuff - YUK-

Rgds,

OmarD

I just use an empty 1/2 milk jug and cut an X into the lid to fit the drain tube into and it does not cost alot of $

[JohnO]

[quote author=omard link=board=Protein;num=1085700801;start=0#7 date=05/30/04 at 07:33:44]"AMEEN" to that JohnO...

Having a drain plug fitting on cup a "must have" on skimmer collection cups - I think they are standard on the AquaC models now...but I had to "retrofit" my old Remora with one (using a dremel) which was really a pain, as I could have ordered it with it for extra $5...but the EV-180 came with it (I think)...

First just ran drain into plastic bucket...but "smell" almost drove both me and tank to back yard (wife has very "sensitive" nose - and was NOT happy - *> )

So made one investment in one of these - and now can could go over a month without worrying about draining...with no "smell" whatsoever...GREAT INVESTMENT!

http://www.proteinskimmer.com/productsnew.htm

All well in the household once again - *

OmarD

PS: *Anyone ever thought of/tried out using foul smelling "soup" in garden? - would think it would be great for plants....think I will add some in sprayer today and give a try...(don't think "smell" *would be an issue if diluted enough)...

Anyone here ever "experience" "nukbaum" (sp?)...smelled just like it as I recall...and people actually ate that stuff - YUK- *

Rgds,

OmarD[/quote]

OmarD

That small carbon filter on the top is a good odea, should absorb all those rotten smells.

Skimmate certainly is good for plants, no problems there at all. Either dilute or tip straight onto the garden.

John