View Full Version : Skimmer Maintance
Amatuer21
01/20/2013, 06:20 PM
I have a skimmer that is building up algae and what not in the vortex area. Its a reef octopus nwb 150. Also has been running going on 4 months. All ive been doing is cleaning collection cup every few days or so. How often do i need to clean the body and pump. Do you just run it through a gallon or so of vinager in a trash can? i dont know how to! Any help... Thankyou
shonc182
01/20/2013, 06:56 PM
I have the NWB-200 that is used in my system with a moderate bioload. My routine is to pull the cup out every 3 months and clean completely in tap water - others will swear that you should use rodi in a sterile environment using rubber gloves, but I just clean it in the sink and let air dry. About every 6 months I will pull the whole thing out and do the same thing in the tub (this is a bit more of a pain with my setup). I have heard of some people pulling the cup off and cleaning down into the reaction chamber with paper towels. I could do this but don't really see any added value in my setup....every setup is different.
There is a definite difference in performance after cleaning, but I notice mine doesn't really start collecting into the cup for a couple of days after a good cleaning. Hope this helps.
Amatuer21
01/20/2013, 07:49 PM
yes thankyou. I didnt even think of manually cleaning it out with a paper towel. I think its going to be a pain in the rear to get it out and clean it
wildman926
01/20/2013, 07:59 PM
On my SRO's, weekly I unplug them and clean the cup in the sink using a bottle brush, then dry off with my "fish" towels. I plug it back in, then as the body starts to fill, I use the bottle brush to clean the inside of the body to remove the algae, coraline, etc. I then put the collection cup back on.
I have let my pumps go 8 months without a cleaning, and they looked good as new when I cracked them open.
reefgeezer
01/20/2013, 08:02 PM
I give my Nwb-150 a bath in light bleach water and then vinegar water about every 6 months. Isn't that why there's a tub in the bathroom?:lmao:
Amatuer21
01/20/2013, 08:03 PM
Ok so as the water rises in the body it will bring the algae etc up to the collection cup for you to clean out?
wildman926
01/20/2013, 08:16 PM
Ok so as the water rises in the body it will bring the algae etc up to the collection cup for you to clean out?
Yes.
Amatuer21
01/20/2013, 08:49 PM
Ok cool that sounds easy enough. Does anyone use vinegar to clean with
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