how often do you clean skimmer and return pumps?

[an411]

I was wondering how long you let the skimmer and return pump go before giving them a good cleaning?

 

[Sk8r]

I wait until mine stop, and they never have: I would rate that event in years. If you have the cash and are stocked to the gills, btw, a spare return pump is not a bad idea.

If you need to clean a pump, however, an overnight in white vinegar will usually do the job beautifully. Vinegar will not hurt your tank if some should be left in it.

 

[snorvich]

I clean out my skimmers about every three days. I clean my skimmers about every six months. I have not cleaned my return pump. Perhaps I should?

 

[an411]

The reason that I am asking is I noticed that before I could not open my venturi valve all the way cause the water would rise to much in the skimmer but now I can. So I am thinking that my return pump may be not pushing as much water as it used to. But its only been in place for about 5 months. That is why I was wondering if I should clean it more often. I have to add another union closer to my return pump cause its a pain to take out from the sump. I guess you learn as you go in this hobby lol

 

[steri]

I clean my skimmer cup out once a week. The Mag 3 I clean out every few months, whenever I see that skim production looks weak (which doesn't tend to be too often). As far as the inside of the actual skimmer, I have never cleaned that.

I can't even begin to imagine the pain it would cause me to do that :lol:

 

[mnml]

skimmer every month. return pump every 6 months.

 

[an411]

Cool thanks guys I think I am going to attempt to clean it this weekend while hooking up my phosban and carbon reactors I will let you know how it goes maybe it will be an incentive to do it more often if I notice a difference.

 

[jennibee13]

skimmer body once a year, ph and pumps including skimmers every 3 months,

 

[warrenm107]

Empty skimmer weekly, check every three days. Clean as needed, monthly usually.