Do you clean the algae out of filters, skimmers, etc.?

Just wondering how many clean the algae out of filter boxes, skimmers, etc. Benifits/negatives to either side?

 

No, I don't clean my overflow box unless it is in danger of getting clogged. I clean the sponge filter, but the box itself....no. My skimmer I leave alone as well, unless performance is affected, then I take action. I have no reasoning behind my decisions here. I just don't see the need.

 

Same for me, Unless its coming off in sheets and getting in my tank I don't touch
anything. Last time I cleaned my skimmer it took me weeks to get it to skim again.

 

i just clean the algae off the return of the skimmer, It looks bad, that about the only reason why

 

I do to make room for coralline, you know the how it goes,, if it ain't pink!! it ain't...lol

 

the only thing i clean is the glass, but i guess i really cant comment due to the fact that i dont have a skimmer or fancy sump and things like that ;D

 

Its a dead heat, anyone else wanna chime in?

 

I love the fact that GHA and other algaes grow inside my overflow, its almost like a nitrate/phosphate prefilter before the water runs down into my sump.... I clean any gunk in my protein skimmer about once every 3-4 weeks (skimmers are more efficient when they are cleaned periodically). As long as its not an eyesore, or perfecting performance or efficiency, its fine to leave and beneficial IMO.

 

i have a venturi skimmer that has to be cleanedat least once a month to keep it runnong right also monthly cleaning of powerheads ,impellars ect

 

Inside the back of the overflow where you can't see, right behind the slots where the water enters, grows a bunch of hair algae. I leave that algae because I feel there might be a minute amount of nutrient export taking place there. Like phayes says, a bit of a nutrient prefilter. It could be negligible to the point where I'm being silly, but it wouldn't be the first time. Of course, it needs to be harvested every few months to truly export it.

Everywhere else, I get rid of algae if it shows up.