Cleaning up an old skimmer to see if it’s savable

[PacoPetty]

Picked up this skimmer today and have it soaking in white vinegar and warm water. Plan to do that for two days before taking it out and giving it a detailed cleaning piece by piece.

 

[Ron Reefman]

That should get it clean. If not, try the vinegar without the water.

That skimmer looks kind of 'old school'. Are you looking to use it in your system?

 

[PacoPetty]

That should get it clean. If not, try the vinegar without the water.

That skimmer looks kind of 'old school'. Are you looking to use it in your system?

I am hoping to use it in my new 125 long build. I had planned on buying a new skimmer but this one was given to me so I thought I would clean it up and put it to use. Should I be concerned?

 

[Mr Fishface]

I agree that if it doesn't clean well try just pure vinegar. It's relatively cheap for a large bottle and it shouldn't take a ton to fill with straight vinegar. Would be pretty cool if it gets up and running again! Knowing how far tech has come in the hobby there is a possibility it won't work as well as something new, but I would think it shouldn't be anything for concern at all.

If it were me, I would still try it!

 

[Ron Reefman]

Heavens no! If it works it works. It's kind of like having a car from the 1980's. It won't have all the bells & whistles like GPS, back up camera etc, etc. But it will still get the job done if it runs!

Good luck.

 

[PacoPetty]

The previous owner had it running on a 300 gallon reef tank and you can see the skimmate is was drawing out of that tank so I am pretty sure it will work on my 125. White vinegar is all I use to clean my tank equipment. I just used 3 gallons to clean up an old sump I bought and it looks great!

 

[Ron Reefman]

If you ever need a bigger volume or a stronger solution, you can get a gallon of muriatic acid for about $10 at a hardware store. Mix it 10:1 with water and you have about the same strength as vinegar. At 3:1 it will dissolve shells.

 

[ROB2005]

Looks like one of those Marineland skimmers with the pump on the bottom. Judging from its appearance , it did indeed do its job well. I heard those skimmers were prone to leaking?

 

[PacoPetty]

If you ever need a bigger volume or a stronger solution, you can get a gallon of muriatic acid for about $10 at a hardware store. Mix it 10:1 with water and you have about the same strength as vinegar. At 3:1 it will dissolve shells.

Thank you! I got as many of the shells off as possible with my pressure washer but I have no way of removing the ones on the inside.

 

[PacoPetty]

Looks like one of those Marineland skimmers with the pump on the bottom. Judging from its appearance , it did indeed do its job well. I heard those skimmers were prone to leaking?

The pump is in the bottom. I am going to inspect it this evening and see if I can determine what brand it is.