What is "THE" HOB Protein Skimmer

[hillegom]

When cleaning the skimmer cup, I do not touch the portion of the cup that gets wet from the tank water. The oils from my hand seem to have a temporary, negative effect on the operation of the skimmer.

[pinkreef]

I turn down the bubbles, remove the cup and lid and take it to the sink
wash in warm water and nothing else except a sponge
rinse thoroughly and set back up onto the skimmer
adjust the bubbles back up and thats it. if you have microbubbles they
supply the black foam piece to go on the end of the output. (i dont use
it because i have no microbubbles) if you use some additives or epoxy
in your tank you will have microbubbles until you wc it out.