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 works by separating the organic waste present on the water through air bubbles. This process is also called foam fractionation. The idea is that when air bubbles pass through the water, it attracts the waste in the water. The bubbles, together with the waste, then rise up to the surface of the water, and the foam created can then be collected and removed. This results in cleaner water that can be returned to the tank's water supply. The water is kept purer longer, which ensures the health of your fish and also reduces the need for frequent water changes in the aquarium.
The main considerations in the effectiveness of a protein skimmer are the following: the amount of air bubbles, the size of the air bubbles, and the dwell time or duration at which the air bubbles come in contact with the water. More air bubbles is better because this means that the water is purified more effectively. The optimal size of the air bubble is also important; bubble sizes of 0.5 to 1 mm are the best for water filtration. As for the dwell time, the longer the water is treated by the air bubbles, the better. If you have all these three qualities in a protein skimmer, you can be sure that the water is effectively purified.
There are three general types of protein skimmers. These are: counter current, venturi, and turbo protein skimmers.
Counter current skimmers work by forcing air bubbles through water flowing in the opposite direction. Air bubbles are created through an air pump, while the water is forced through by a water pump. The contact between the air bubbles and water induces the filtration process. These types are usually in-tank, so they can obstruct your view of the aquarium and take up some space.
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 skimmers, or needle wheel skimmers, work by combining air and water, then forcing them through a blade or impeller, which slices the air bubbles into smaller bubbles. The water and air bubbles are forced through a tube, where the foam can be skimmed at the top.
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 factor you must look at is the price. This will depend mostly on your budget. Though you can get a protein skimmer at $50, you should also expect that the quality is not that great. If you do have extra cash to spare, you should select the more expensive ones. In the end, your choice will depend on the size of your wallet by the time you need to buy one. - 29953
A protein skimmer works by separating the organic waste present on the water through air bubbles. This process is also called foam fractionation. The idea is that when air bubbles pass through the water, it attracts the waste in the water. The bubbles, together with the waste, then rise up to the surface of the water, and the foam created can then be collected and removed. This results in cleaner water that can be returned to the tank's water supply. The water is kept purer longer, which ensures the health of your fish and also reduces the need for frequent water changes in the aquarium.
The main considerations in the effectiveness of a protein skimmer are the following: the amount of air bubbles, the size of the air bubbles, and the dwell time or duration at which the air bubbles come in contact with the water. More air bubbles is better because this means that the water is purified more effectively. The optimal size of the air bubble is also important; bubble sizes of 0.5 to 1 mm are the best for water filtration. As for the dwell time, the longer the water is treated by the air bubbles, the better. If you have all these three qualities in a protein skimmer, you can be sure that the water is effectively purified.
There are three general types of protein skimmers. These are: counter current, venturi, and turbo protein skimmers.
Counter current skimmers work by forcing air bubbles through water flowing in the opposite direction. Air bubbles are created through an air pump, while the water is forced through by a water pump. The contact between the air bubbles and water induces the filtration process. These types are usually in-tank, so they can obstruct your view of the aquarium and take up some space.
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 skimmers, or needle wheel skimmers, work by combining air and water, then forcing them through a blade or impeller, which slices the air bubbles into smaller bubbles. The water and air bubbles are forced through a tube, where the foam can be skimmed at the top.
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 factor you must look at is the price. This will depend mostly on your budget. Though you can get a protein skimmer at $50, you should also expect that the quality is not that great. If you do have extra cash to spare, you should select the more expensive ones. In the end, your choice will depend on the size of your wallet by the time you need to buy one. - 29953
About the Author:
Guss Fitzgerald is a professional writer and aquarist. He has gained much knowledge of aquarium protein skimmers and other aquarium products from his many years of experience owning aquarium fish. To learn more about proper aquarium maintenance please visit MarineDepot.com.
