Aquarium Protein Skimmer

Aquarium protein skimmer is and essential piece of equipment for all saltwater enthusiast.

It can greatly improve the quality of your water, reduce nitrate buildup, help prevent aggressive algae growth, and improve water clarity to enhance light penetration for a brighter, cleaner, and clearer aquarium.

It simulates the white foamy stuff you will see in the ocean. This is called foam fractionation.

It basically removes dissolved organic wastes from the water.

The suspended toxins will stick to the bubbles (much like soap suds) and be removed from the water into the collection cup.

Protein skimmers had become an essential gadget for the saltwater tank nowadays.

So... How does it exactly work?

Air goes in to the bottom of the tube by using an external source. It then generate clouds of fine bubles that flow to the surface.

Proteins and other wastes is attach to the bubbles, travel to the surface and is collected in a removable cup that can be emptied.

This also serves as another chemical filtration. But unlike other filters, wastes are actually removed from the water and not converted into something else. It takes a lot of burden off the other filters. =)

Check out this video of a fission nano skimmer below. They are said to be the smallest in the world and is very efficient for small aquariums.

There are so many different types of protein skimmer in the market. Try to invest the biggest skimmer possible that fits within your space and budget. This will increase the skimmer's effectiveness and make maintenance easier.

Check this article about aquarium protein skimmer designs and how to optimize protein skimmers. Or you can also click here to compare and get ideas on which one you would need for your saltwater aquarium.

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