clean protein ckimmer? how often?

[CAROLGYRL]

I , being a newbee still, have done a lot to my tank now. but i read in one of the threads something about cleaning the protein skimmer. i have just been cleaning the cup on top. How often should I dissassemble and clean the bottom part?

 

[Sk8r]

Just toss the gunk in the cup. Clean the skimmer with white vinegar once a year.

 

[CAROLGYRL]

Thanks, I felt stupid that I never thought about cleaning it till someone mentioned it!!!!!!!!

 

[Hop]

I clean the pumps (running in vinegar) every 3-4 months. Skimmer cup 1-3 times a week, skimmer body (total teardown) once every six months or so. It really depends on the skimmer and how in tune you are to it's performance