Why is a Protein Skimmer Needed?

• In marine aquariums, also known as salt-water tanks, a variety of life can exist. Apart from the obvious, fish, these environments can house invertebrates, such as corals, as well as crustaceans, plankton and other life forms. These organisms all put out various organic wastes. You may hear these referred to as DOCs or dissolved organic compounds. These compounds can provide a number of problems in your tank. Algae can feed off of them, they can dirty your water and they can make your fish sick. A protein skimmer removes these compounds before they wreak havoc on your marine life.
  
  

Action of a Protein Skimmer

• There are a few major categories of protein skimmers but their overall action is the same. Water is a polar molecule---water molecules like each other and are attracted to each other. The protein skimmer will produce tiny air bubbles that are usually 1 mm or less. These air bubbles are forced through the water and momentarily shove the molecules away from one another. When the molecules try to come back together, the DOCs and other compounds get trapped in between the water molecules. Once these air bubbles keep shoving these compounds up, the skimmer removes them from the water by placing them in a cup. The more air bubbles and the stronger they are pushed through, the more protein that gets removed from the system.
  
  

Reasons to Use a Protein Skimmer

• By removing these wastes, you don't have to change the water as often. The skimmers remove phosphates, which can cause algae blooms that can threaten your fish and are difficult to remove. Some species can produce toxins that are removed to the skimmer cup, and blowing air bubbles increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water that your fish can use.