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  #1  
Old 01/10/2008, 10:33 AM
an411 an411 is offline
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Location: Derby CT
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how often do you clean skimmer and return pumps?

I was wondering how long you let the skimmer and return pump go before giving them a good cleaning?
  #2  
Old 01/10/2008, 10:38 AM
Sk8r Sk8r is offline
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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.
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  #3  
Old 01/10/2008, 10:38 AM
snorvich snorvich is offline
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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?
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  #4  
Old 01/10/2008, 11:00 AM
an411 an411 is offline
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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
  #5  
Old 01/10/2008, 11:16 AM
steri steri is offline
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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
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  #6  
Old 01/10/2008, 11:16 AM
thin crust thin crust is offline
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skimmer every month. return pump every 6 months.
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  #7  
Old 01/10/2008, 11:25 AM
an411 an411 is offline
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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.
  #8  
Old 01/10/2008, 07:30 PM
jennibee13 jennibee13 is offline
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: NY
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skimmer body once a year, ph and pumps including skimmers every 3 months,
  #9  
Old 01/11/2008, 02:49 PM
warrenm107 warrenm107 is offline
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Empty skimmer weekly, check every three days. Clean as needed, monthly usually.
 

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