General Types Of Protein Skimmers And How They Work
One of the chief concerns in maintaining an aquarium is water purification. Unless you want to change the water of your aquarium frequently, one of the best tools that you have for keeping the water clean is a protein skimmer. This device helps remove organic wastes from the water before they become harmful substances like ammonia and nitrates.
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.
As mentioned, there are several methods in having the air bubbles clean the tank’s water supply. There are three main methods or protein skimmer types that you can choose from. These are counter current, venturi, and turbo protein skimmers.
For a counter current protein skimmer, the idea is to have the air bubbles and water clash against one another. The air bubbles are injected to the water in the opposite current the water is flowing. A counter current skimmer would need a separate air and water pump, and these would force the water and air bubbles through a tube where the foam can be collected at the top.
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.
One of the major considerations is placement. Meaning, how you would install the protein skimmer in your tank. There are in-tank, and hanging types to choose from. You should also consider whether the protein skimmer can be integrated with your current filtration system or not.
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 a professional author and aquarist. He has gained a great understanding of aquarium protein skimmers and other aquarium products from his many years of experience keeping aquarium fish. To find out more about proper aquarium maintenance please visit MarineDepot.com.
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