skimmers, how often should I clean it?

[Viggen]

I have a ER RC500 & I have never removed the pumps to clean them out.  Is it necessary to do that on a FO tank? 

[Charlie]

I am not sure exactly how often you are supposed to clean your pumps but I have always put them on a 6 month cleaning schedule. You should actually clean all the pumps you have regardless of the use just to keep them performing and hopefully keep them from kicking the bucket.

[verper]

I agree with Charlie.  You don't have to worry about cleaning them every 3 months from calcium build up like on a reef tank, but things still get gunky inside the pump and get wound around the impeller.   Get a gallon of white vinegar, break it down, and let it soak for at least a few hours.

[Viggen]

cool... thanks

& after the vinegar, do I just rinse with water?  Or is there something else I need to do with it?

[verper]

Yup, just rinse in water.