Skimmer cleaning

[Stlrockguy]

Is it normal to have to clean the skimmer cup almost everyday

 

[jeffaquarius]

If the cup contains light colored then you need to adjust for optimum skimming to get darker liquid on the cup.

 

[Grizz]

Your skimmate should look like tea if it does and your cleaning the cup every day then chances are the skimmer is to small for the system

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

Your skimmate should look like tea if it does and your cleaning the cup every day then chances are the skimmer is to small for the system

Agree 100%, get a bigger skimmer but none will stay clear if thats what your looking for?

 

[Stlrockguy]

It gets really dirty. The skimmer is an eshoppes rated for up to 100 gallons and my tank is 55

 

[Grizz]

Can you post a pic?

 

[Dav3]

Probably a result of your green water issue you posted the other day. Unless its been like this before.

 

[Stlrockguy]

Probably a result of your green water issue you posted the other day. Unless its been like this before.

Before the green water I was cleaning it every few days

 

[Stlrockguy]

There it is

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

Hahaha, sorry lol. You would nit want to see my skimmer! That looks new lol

 

[jeffaquarius]

Are you adding additives in your tank?

 

[Stlrockguy]

That's just from yesterday no additives

 

[jeffaquarius]

You only clean it when at least it is 1/4 cup filled. I can just see barely at the bottom of the cup.

 

[Stlrockguy]

Oh. I've never let it get that full

 

[willbratz]

Oh. I've never let it get that full

LoL I wait for mine to get 1/2 full.

 

[Stlrockguy]

I've always cleaned it when the center column gets a lot built up

 

[jeffaquarius]

Everytime you remove the cup you disturb the skimming process cause it restarts to build the bubbles again.

 

[Stlrockguy]

Everytime you remove the cup you disturb the skimming process cause it restarts to build the bubbles again.

I did not know this. Thanks for the info

 

[jeffaquarius]

I would recommend using a suction gadget like the turkey buster to empty the cup. That way you minimize the wear and tear of the o-ring rubber seal (if there is one) and avoid disturbing the skimmer. Maybe once a month you can remove and clean the whole cup.

 

[Stlrockguy]

Ok. I won't have that skimmer next month. I'm changing my set up