Read About Protein Skimmer Info

Protein Skimmer is an important piece of equipment for anyone that owns a saltwater aquarium. Here's everything you need to know about this product.

Protein Skimmer - What are they?

1. Description:

   A protein skimmer is a tube-shaped, mechanical device that removes dissolved organic material (protein) from the saltwater. This maintains the water at a higher quality for the fish, and lessens the need to change the water as frequently. The skimmer works by using either air stones or high-pressure water pump and air valve to inject a large number of tiny air bubbles into the tube. The protein compounds attach to these bubbles and rise to the surface, where they accumulate in a collection cup and disposed of.

2. Who Needs These?

   Anyone that owns a saltwater aquarium should also have a protein skimmer.

3. Why Do You Need These?

   Without a protein skimmer, protein and other organic matter will build up in the water, which encourages the formation of algae and harmful bacteria. This will kill the fish in a short time.

4. Types:

   There are three basic types of protein skimmers. The air-driven counter current skimmer is the most common. The "Venturi" style skimmer uses a special type of air and water valve, and is smaller and less expensive. The third type is a downdraft-style skimmer, which is probably the most effective type of skimmer.

5. Benefits:

   The biggest benefit of the protein skimmer is that because it removes the protein and other organic materials, you will not need to change the water as frequently, and it will cut down on the amount of algae formation in the water.

6. Uses:

   A protein skimmer is mainly for use in saltwater tanks. Although they may be used in a freshwater tank with no problems, they are not a necessity, because they do nothing to improve the water quality in freshwater aquariums.

Protein Skimmer - Tips

1. Varieties:

   There are several different varieties of protein skimmers: in-tank, hang-on-tank, and free-standing.

2. Quality Choices:

   You should buy the highest quality skimmer that you can afford. The better the skimmer, the higher the water quality.

3. Where to Use:

   A protein skimmer should be used in saltwater tanks of all sizes.

Protein Skimmer - Concerns

1. Safety Issues:

   There really are no safety concerns with protein skimmers, as long as instructions are followed, and common sense is used.

2. Behavioral Issues:

   Fish will begin to die off quickly if algae begins to build up in the water.

3. Convenience:

Protein Skimmer - How to Choose

1. What to Look For:

   Decide where you will be placing the protein skimmer. Buy the best skimmer that you can afford. Consider that a skimmer with a large collection cup will have to be emptied less frequently, thus requiring less maintenance. It is better to choose a skimmer that is a bit too large for your tank than one that is too small.

2. Expense:

   A good protein skimmer can be expensive, but the extra cost is worth it, because they are of higher quality.

3. Other Items You Might Need:

   You may wish to add an ozonizer to the skimmer. Ozone raises the pH level in the water, increases dissolved oxygen, and increases the efficiency of the skimmer.