How often should you clean your protein skimmer?

[mrtgman]

I have a via aqua multi skimmer. The protein skimmer seems to fill with water about every 3 days. How often should I empty it and if I don't can it cause harm to my tank? Also when you do empty it should you clean it thoroughly?
Thanks!

 

[fishman622]

yes when it gets full you should empty it, and rinse the cup troughly to clean it.

 

[benj2112]

I empty mine out about every other day. It isn't full, but the stuff stinks so bag I can't stand it.

 

[elohssa]

If your collection cup is filling with water every 3 days, you need to make some adjustments. Your skimmer should be putting out a dry foam, not a liquid.

 

[brian90vette]

I agree with that. reduce the water flow coming in. I empty mine about once a month.

 

[bildotang]

How long has your tank been running? If it's established, and you just got the skimmer, it might need to be cleaned alot more often until you get the excess protein out of the water.
After that, the other replys are correct. Adjust the skimmer until you get dry foam, which, when it's adjusted correct, shouldn't get as full so quickly. And be sure to thoroughly clean the cup.

 

[thomas712]

Once, twice or three times a month depending on whats going on with the tank.
Thomas

 

[mrtgman]

About 2 months old. I get a heavy green slime buildup in the tube that leads up to the skimmer. I clean that out everytime. Is that good?