How do you skimmer

I had some problems with a new skimmer and Jon Warner continually questioned about how often I turn the skimmer off and on. So I thought I would survey and see what everyone else does. I had always turned it off for maintenance. I may just let it bubble over from now on rather than putting that extra wear on the pumps.

 

I've always found skimmer pumps can be a bit finicky and sometimes won't restart. So, I only turn them off occasionally, if I am prepared to clean them with vinegar. If I don't want to deal with possibly having to clean the pump, to restart it, I leave it running.

 

I turn mine off with my return pump when i do water changes. I do my cup cleaning all at the same time. If i have to empty the cup any other time, i let it run.

 

I don't run a skimmer

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I'll stop cutting my skimmer off I guess.