Skimmer performance issues

[Sharkey18]

So how much does the build up of "gunk" and coralline algae on the inside of the skimmer body affect performance? 

 

I thoroughly cleaned my skimmer today and noticed 2 things.  

 

1: A layer of slimy, brownish gunk (similar to the end product of skimmate ) coating the walls of the chamber, and

2: a fair amount of coralline algae. 

 

How much does this build up affect performance? How often should the body of the skimmer be scrubbed out? 

[s2nhle]

I don't know about the performance issue. however, i do clean my skimmer body and pump ever month or 2 months.

[Origami]

Personally, I don't think that the organic layer matters that much (performance-wise) when it's below the water line. It's probably unavoidable. When the gunk is up in the neck, it can cause the foam head to collapse early and reduce nutrient export. 

[zygote2k]

Only a side by side comparison could give you the answer but I suppose that drag and friction could increase in the cone by the buildup of stoff on otherwise smooth walls. How much it affects skimmate production is a mystery.

[dangros]

Some white vinegar will get that cleaned up. If there's a lot of coralline, I would remove it

[gmerek2]

Probably not going to affect it much at all as long as the neck is getting cleaned routinely

[Sharkey18]

Good to know. I cleaned out the entire thing with vinegar. It looks great!