How do I clean my protein skimmer

[CharlieAsh]

I pulled the entire sump out to replumb after getting a new pump a few months ago. The old plumbing made it impossible to fully assemble the skimmer, so it hasn't been on in about 3 months (I know it isn't ideal, and I did a lot of frustrating work to compensate while learning enough about plumbing to tackle it). When I looked at the protein skimmer today I figured it could use some help.

I inherited this tank, which means I get to handle issues of years of use without having years of experience... Which is to say, I don't know how best to clean this or what the necessary maintenance is in the future (aside from cleaning the top bit regularly).

Any advice or guidance would be appreciated!

 

[Rmckoy]

Do you know what make skimmer it is ?

depending how long it’s been dry soaking it in a vinegar and water bath

I use the blue scotch brite pads and take extra care not to scratch the inside of the skimmer .

take it apart as much as possible .
bottle brush , q tips will help reaching places to clean .

if you can take the pump off prior to the vinegar soak that will help . Vinegar will eventually damage the magnetic pumps impeller

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Do you know what make skimmer it is ?

depending how long it’s been dry soaking it in a vinegar and water bath

I use the blue scotch brite pads and take extra care not to scratch the inside of the skimmer .

take it apart as much as possible .
bottle brush , q tips will help reaching places to clean .

if you can take the pump off prior to the vinegar soak that will help . Vinegar will eventually damage the magnetic pumps impeller

I suggest using citric acid instead of vinegar.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Sicce pump clean. Let it soak than scrub it with a soft grade toothbrush.
D

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I suggest using citric acid instead of vinegar.

Yup. Soak it in a 5 gal bucket for a bit, voila good as new. That vinegar will yellow the plastic eventually.

 

[Rmckoy]

Yup. Soak it in a 5 gal bucket for a bit, voila good as new. That vinegar will yellow the plastic eventually.

See ..
vinegar only good for carbon dosing .

 

[CharlieAsh]

Do you know what make skimmer it is ?

depending how long it’s been dry soaking it in a vinegar and water bath

I use the blue scotch brite pads and take extra care not to scratch the inside of the skimmer .

take it apart as much as possible .
bottle brush , q tips will help reaching places to clean .

if you can take the pump off prior to the vinegar soak that will help . Vinegar will eventually damage the magnetic pumps impeller

It says Reefer Skimmer on the side.

I wasnt sure if vinegar would harm it. I clean my power heads in it occasionally and it helps so much!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

See ..
vinegar only good for carbon dosing .

No, vinegar is ok for cleaning, but citric acid has some advantages

 

[CharlieAsh]

Sicce pump clean. Let it soak than scrub it with a soft grade toothbrush.
D

Is this something i should be using for other applications as well?

 

[CharlieAsh]

No, vinegar is ok for cleaning, but citric acid has some advantages

Where do I get citric acid? What are the perks? (Might help me with some other cleaning frustrations)

 

[Rmckoy]

It says Reefer Skimmer on the side.

I wasnt sure if vinegar would harm it. I clean my power heads in it occasionally and it helps so much!

Vinegar is on for cleaning but there are reports of the vinegar swelling the magnets or impeller shortening the life of the pump .

 

[CharlieAsh]

See ..
vinegar only good for carbon dosing .

Carbon... Dosing?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Is this something i should be using for other applications as well?

Sicce pump clean is overpriced citric acid. Get some Millard's citric acid off Amazon. Super cheap

 

[Rmckoy]

Carbon... Dosing?

This can be another post when you’re battling high nutrients

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Where do I get citric acid? What are the perks? (Might help me with some other cleaning frustrations)

I answered part of this while you were posting. Others have posted the advantages

 

[CharlieAsh]

Sicce pump clean is overpriced citric acid. Get some Millard's citric acid off Amazon. Super cheap

Words I love to hear. I'm currently reefing on a budget which makes it tricky.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Sicce pump clean is overpriced citric acid. Get some Millard's citric acid off Amazon. Super cheap

Sorry, I misspelled that. It's Milliards

 

[CharlieAsh]

This can be another post when you’re battling high nutrients

I am, but I'll tackle that after my whole system is working properly again!

 

[doubleshot00]

Sicce pump clean is overpriced citric acid. Get some Millard's citric acid off Amazon. Super cheap

Is my math off.

Citric acid

https://a.co/d/idACq0s

Sicce pump clean

https://a.co/d/8wKWAWA

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Is my math off.

Citric acid
https://a.co/d/cUdFBKB


https://a.co/d/fKmAWNL

Your Amazon links are busted.

I bought this the last few times, Millard's 10 lb bag was out.