Skimmer servicing?

[Ab129]

So my reef octopus 150 ssspace saving skimmer has been doing its thing, running almost non stop for the last year and a half except for weekly cleaning of the cup. Now, when I plug it back in it doesn't start up right away. I hear it running but it seems as though something is preventing it from making bubbles.
I think it's probably overdue to be taken apart and cleaned out internally and I've never done this before. IIRC the instructions that came with it were no help.
What do I need to take apart and how should I clean it?

 

[HumbleFish]

It's probably mostly the pump that needs to be cleaned. Take the pump apart, soak in a bucket with a 10:1 water:vinegar solution for a couple of hours, and then scrub any excess algae/calcium deposits away.

 

[blowmecius]

A good cleaning is overdue. It won't start because venturi is clogged. Pull off the air hose and clean the air inlet with a brush or pipecleaner until you get a chance to pull the pump.

 

[Ab129]

It's probably mostly the pump that needs to be cleaned. Take the pump apart, soak in a bucket with a 10:1 water:vinegar solution for a couple of hours, and then scrub any excess algae/calcium deposits away.

So I took the skimmer completely apart but I can't see how to get the pump apart. It looks like the plastic housing is all one piece.
Is there some way to open it up and get at the guts that I am not seeing?
Right now I have the pump in a small bucket of 10:1 water:vinegar and I have it running so the water is circulating through it.
I will try to post a pic

 

[Ab129]

Pics

Pics





Only thing I can see is that ring around the front opening might come out but I'm not sure how and don't want to break it.

 

[Ab129]

So I have now disassembled to the point where I removed the shaft and impeller.
Is this as far as I go or is there further disassembly required?

 

[Sk8r]

THat's often enough. Look at the impeller. Is it damaged? If so you can buy a new impeller, usually. Another cleaning method for the whole system is to put it ina spare small tank with a mix of water and white vinegar and just run it. If there's calification (white crud) anywhere, the vinegar will dissolve it. I use straight white vinegar to clean pumps, no problem, but it's pricey for a whole skimmer. It can clean most any other equipment as a general bath for pump, skimmer, old scrapers, etc. And the good thing is, if there shoulld be a little vinegar left in a small pocket of the pump, it won't hurt your tank or corals. Just a little effect on ph, which passes quickly.

 

[HumbleFish]

THat's often enough. Look at the impeller. Is it damaged? If so you can buy a new impeller, usually. Another cleaning method for the whole system is to put it ina spare small tank with a mix of water and white vinegar and just run it. If there's calification (white crud) anywhere, the vinegar will dissolve it. I use straight white vinegar to clean pumps, no problem, but it's pricey for a whole skimmer. It can clean most any other equipment as a general bath for pump, skimmer, old scrapers, etc. And the good thing is, if there shoulld be a little vinegar left in a small pocket of the pump, it won't hurt your tank or corals. Just a little effect on ph, which passes quickly.

^^ This

Try to use a filter brush to scrub the nooks & crannies you can't reach otherwise.

 

[Ab129]

Ok cool.
Thanks guys!