Clean skimmer or just empty it?

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by justonwo, Sep 28, 2015.

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  1. justonwo

    justonwo Fire Shrimp

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    From an efficiency standpoint, is it better to leave the slime coating on the skimmer and just empty it or should the skimmer actually be freed of this slime on a regular basis?
     
    justonwo, Sep 28, 2015
    justonwo, Sep 28, 2015
    #1

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  2. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    The more you keep things clean and maintained, the longer they will last.
     
    civiccars2003, Sep 28, 2015
    civiccars2003, Sep 28, 2015
    #2
    Swisswiss likes this.
  3. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I used to think that not cleaning it regularly was a good thing but have since learned that cleaning the neck regularly does help its performance
     
    oldfishkeeper, Sep 28, 2015
    oldfishkeeper, Sep 28, 2015
    #3
  4. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    I like to clean the cup out weekly, the neck bi weekly, and the pump/rest of the skimmer twice a year, I'll just run it in 50/50 vinegar/SW mix.
     
    Va Reef, Sep 28, 2015
    Va Reef, Sep 28, 2015
    #4
    Swisswiss likes this.
  5. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Definitely clean the neck, or it will drop off in production of skimmate. They sell auto-neck cleaners, fwiw.
     
    Kevin_E, Sep 28, 2015
    Kevin_E, Sep 28, 2015
    #5
  6. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    how did i not think of this? i spent lots of time taking apart and cleaning every corner of my skimmer, cutting myself on tube worms and whatever other little critter decided to encrust the inside of my skimmer.....

    does it have to be saltwater and vinegar though? can it not just be freshwater and vinegar?
     
    Swisswiss, Sep 28, 2015
    Swisswiss, Sep 28, 2015
    #6

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  7. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    Yeah, either is fine, sometimes if I'm feeling rich I'll just use straight vinegar lol
     
    Va Reef, Sep 28, 2015
    Va Reef, Sep 28, 2015
    #7
    Swisswiss likes this.
  8. Piano10

    Piano10 Aiptasia Anemone

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    I used to just empty the cup when full but I cleaned it on my water change days.
     
    Piano10, Sep 29, 2015
    Piano10, Sep 29, 2015
    #8
  9. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    well i know for fact tunze suggests fully cleaning the skimmer once or twice a year
     
    Swisswiss, Sep 29, 2015
    Swisswiss, Sep 29, 2015
    #9
  10. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    Sam's Club, 2-1 Gallon jugs for $4.

    Sorry Swiss, i know that won't help you out.
     
    mdbostwick, Sep 29, 2015
    mdbostwick, Sep 29, 2015
    #10
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