Skimmer Maintenance

[Cibo]

I have a needle wheel skimmer about how long between full maintenance(pull the pump and clean it) is normal. It seems like I clean it when its gook out put stops should I be waiting that long?

And whats the best way to clean them is there a quick way to clear them between break downs? the pump still works but air intake slows?

thanks...

 

[batt600]

You need to give it a vinegar bath . Take it apart and let it soak for a few hour that sould solve your problem.

 

[that fish guy]

I would be careful using vinegar it is not fish safe. If you soak something in vinegar and do not wash the vinegar off well it will KILL ALL of your fish!!

 

[tomtoothdoc]

I would be careful using vinegar it is not fish safe. If you soak something in vinegar and do not wash the vinegar off well it will KILL ALL of your fish!!

vinegar has been used to clean salt water equipments for quite a long time. it is fairly safe....yes you do want to rinse it off well. it doesn't kill fish....in small amount like what may remain on the pump. in fact some people dose vinegar to their tank....but that's another story.
so go ahead and soak away....rinse well and research your info. from many sources. don't let the cap lock and wrong info. scare you.
quote taken from wetwebmedia.com
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnaqfaqs2.htm
Acrylic and vinegar 4/16/09
<Vinegar is not toxic to fish, at least not in the trace amounts likely to be left behind after cleaning the lime from an aquarium.>

 

[mr_X]

i've used vinegar hundreds of times to clean pumps and powerheads. i've also used it in a syringe to kill aptasia. this is the very first time i've heard that there is a type of vinegar that will kill all your fish if it gets in the tank.

 

[bizarrecorals]

vinegar is safe to use, a lot of fish farms/wholesaler use them to acclimate saltwater fish, you should clean it out good though, vinegar reduces ph dramtaically, it can kill fish, but in a large amount.

I would be careful using vinegar it is not fish safe. If you soak something in vinegar and do not wash the vinegar off well it will KILL ALL of your fish!!