Skimmer Cleaning: How Long?

[Rovert]

I'm running my skimmer to clean it using a 1:1 vinegar/water mix, and wanted to know how long you guys recommend running the process to be sure you've cleaned it thoroughly.

 

[salty55]

i have never thought of doing that. sounds like a good idea. i was just looking at my skimmer tonite and thinking of how nasty it was getting and how in the world i was going to clean it.

 

[Rovert]

Yah, I just have mine over a 5 gallon bucket, into which I poured 2 gallons of distilled vinegar and 2 gallons of water. There's lots of foaming going on, and the little tube worms and other sediment is dissolving. I just don't want to risk damaging the acrylic from running it for too long.

 

[klam114]

2 hours should do the trick. It's also a good idea to remove the impeller and shaft from the pump and soak in pure vinegar for an hour after your skimmer has been cleaned.

 

[Rovert]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9977394#post9977394 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by klam114
2 hours should do the trick. It's also a good idea to remove the impeller and shaft from the pump and soak in pure vinegar for an hour after your skimmer has been cleaned.

Heh... well, I ran it overnight, just in case. There were some tube worms in there that I wanted to get rid of. Running in warm fresh water now to be sure it's clean. Thanks!

 

[Reef Sponger]

Using 10% vinegar solution, probably need overnight, but 50% vinegar solution doesn't need as long. When soaking the shaft and impeller in 100% vinegar, be sure not to include any rubber caps or o-rings, nothing rubber because even mild acidic solutions will break them down.