How do you clean your skimmer? (1 Viewer)

[jhill9]

I have a SRO 1000 (I think) and the problem is that I can't get my hand through the neck of the skimmer. Tried using all kind of brushes but they are either to big or to short. What do you use for a deep cleaning?

 

[Reefahholic]

With a spatula. Lol

 

[flipside]

Have you tried one of them toilet brushes from the Dolla' Sto'? It will scratch the skimmer a little, but... I never cared.
Other than that, I never clean where my hand can't reach inside that part of the skimmer (body). I just concentrate on what I can reach with my hand/fingers in the body, and clean the cup/neck very well.

 

[d2mini]

I use an old toothbrush for regular neck cleaning.
Then when it really needs it, i let the skimmer run in a vinegar bath.

 

[Reefahholic]

I use the spatula for quick neck cleaning to keep it skimming efficiently. Then I use a dish brush for regular cleaning.

Like D2mini, for pump cleaning, I fire it up in a vinager bath.

 

[jhill9]

I did the vinager bath but need to get down in it to scrape the sides. I can only get 3/4 of it with the pretty pink loofah I bought.

 

[Reefahholic]

I did the vinager bath but need to get down in it to scrape the sides. I can only get 3/4 of it with the pretty pink loofah I bought.

Blue/white round lil dish brush at Walmart. It works good. I'll post a pic when I get home. It fits inbetween the neck and outer cup and cleans everything well.

 

[Diesel]

Why clean??
All that needs to be cleaned is your pump about every 6 months, the cup and neck under there and your air tubing for salt creep.
Glad that I have a Lifereef as only the cup is necessary once a week and the pump after 6 months, the pump has his own union and won't even have to touch the skimmer to remove it, air line will come out the skimmer cup so moist air will get rid of the salt in there if any.










33 to go...........

 

[jhill9]

Diesel,

does your skimmer not get coralline on the side? Wouldn't that change the effectiveness of the skimmer?

As long as you aren't texting and driving then you are good. Never heard that fish forum responses effected driving ability.

 

[d2mini]

Ideally the skimmer should be located in a light free area to prevent algae growth.
Unfortunately, mine has not been and I have the same LifeReef skimmer. Every 6 months or so I have to do the vinegar bath to clean it out but it's pretty easy to reach everywhere with a brush to get clean.

 

[Diesel]

Diesel,

does your skimmer not get coralline on the side? Wouldn't that change the effectiveness of the skimmer?

As long as you aren't texting and driving then you are good. Never heard that fish forum responses effected driving ability.

Nope no coralline algae inside the skimmer, the effectiveness of your skimmer isn't the bottom part of your skimmer it's the part that is above your water level in the skimmer while running, more likely the section as we call the upper part of the neck.
It's easy to see after you turn your skimmer off as it will be almost black.
I'll take a napkin to wipe the inside and it's ready to go again.

Ideally the skimmer should be located in a light free area to prevent algae growth.
Unfortunately, mine has not been and I have the same LifeReef skimmer. Every 6 months or so I have to do the vinegar bath to clean it out but it's pretty easy to reach everywhere with a brush to get clean.

Lifereef skimmer are super easy to get your hands in there as the whole top part comes off.
Another positive factor about this skimmer.








32 to go..........

 

[d2mini]

Lifereef skimmer are super easy to get your hands in there as the whole top part comes off.
Another positive factor about this skimmer.

Yup, just did it this weekend.
My skimmer is currently right under my tank lights in my holding tub! LOL!
Inside was covered in coralline and other algae. Yuck.
Now it's wrapped with a dish towel and zip tie. hahaha

 

[dark8nge1]

You can also check at a home brew store. One just opened up down the street from me at they had tons of goodies that would be used for reefing. For skimmer cleaning they had a nice big headed brush like a bottle brush but huge and flexible. Sure that would work pretty well.

That being said I clean my skimmer body when I switch to a new skimmer =P