Why Protein Skimmers Are Important for a Tank
Just like how you need fresh, clean air to breathe, so do the fish in your aquarium. Thus, water treatment and purification is essential in keeping your aquarium safe for your fish. One of the devices that can help you do that is a protein skimmer. Through this device, you take out organic wastes from the water and keep them from becoming ammonia and nitrates that can harm your fish.
A protein skimmer is a device that initiates the process of foam fractionation or protein skimming. Basically, this involves the process of injecting air bubbles into the water supply to remove dissolved organic compounds. When the air bubbles come in contact with the water, the impurities in the water stick with the air bubbles and rise up as foam on the surface. The foam can then be collected and removed from the water supply. The sludge and the scum that results from this can be removed through a collection reservoir designed for this function. This leaves the water in the aquarium clean and sanitized.
There are several methods on how to do this, but the general considerations are that the water and air bubbles should have longer contact with each other to ensure maximum filtration. Another thing to note is the amount and size of the air bubbles produced by the protein skimmer. More bubbles and bubbles sized at 0.5 to 1 mm. are optimal.
There are three general types of protein skimmers you can choose from. These are counter current, venturi, and turbo protein skimmers.
A counter current skimmer works by blowing air bubbles against the water flowing in a different direction. For this to work, you will need a separate water and air pump. You need a long tube to ensure full contact between the water and air bubbles. Since this is usually placed inside the aquarium, the length of the tube is decided by the height of the aquarium.
Venturi protein skimmers depend on water pressure and a venturi tube for filtration. Water is pressurized and then shot into a venturi tube. The venturi tube is narrow at one point of the tube, and has an air intake tube near the constriction point. As pressurized water is forced through, this creates a difference in pressure, which sucks in air from the intake tube and creates the air bubbles. The water flows through a reservoir, which increases contact or dwell between the air bubbles and the water for better water purification. The advantage to this type is that you only need a water pump, and that it has more dwell time, which makes for more effective water treatment.
Turbo protein skimmers, also called needle wheel skimmers, work by combining air and water then forcing them through a blade to create air bubbles. The water and air mixture are forced through the blade, then through a reservoir by a water pump. As the water is forced up through a tube, it creates more contact between the water and air bubbles for better water purification.
Aside from the three qualities of a good protein skimmer, you also need to consider its installation. You should look for one that can be easily integrated with your current filtration system. You also have to look at the additional equipment that you need to get, like water pumps or air pumps. Placement is also important, such as whether it’s in-tank or hanging out from the rim.
Another consideration is price. Of course, the more expensive ones are more effective. It would depend on how much you’re willing to shell out for a protein skimmer. You do need to remember that having a good protein skimmer ensures that water purity in your aquarium, which means fewer water changes and a healthier environment for your fish.
Guss Fitzgerald is an expert author and aquarium owner. He has gained a great understanding of aquarium protein skimmers and other aquarium products from his several years of experience owning aquarium fish. To learn more about proper aquarium maintenance please visit MarineDepot.com.
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