If you are new to the aquarium many tasks may seem quite daunting.
However with a little bit of research and persistence the setup and maintenance of an aquarium should be quite easy and enjoyable.
The protein skimmer is the most important part of the aquarium.
Not only does it provide you with a nutrient export, but it also keeps your water crystal clear.
Below I am going to provide some explanations as what to look for when setting up a protein skimmer as well as certain aspects to consider before purchasing.
Checklist 1.
What size is your aquarium? Make sure you buy a skimmer that is rated double your actual aquarium size.
So if the manufacturer rates it at 50 Gallons, buy the 100 gallon version.
2.
What is the footprint? Make sure it will fit in your sump! Always make sure you can find accurate measurements.
You don't want to receive your new expensive skimmer only to find out it won't fit.
3.
Internal or External? Protein skimmers are available in internal (Just place it in the sump) Or external which requires additional plumbing and another pump to feed water to the skimmer.
4.
What water level does the skimmer perform best in? This is one specification that many people overlook.
The new pumps skimmers are using are very picky, if you are an inch or 2 off you may either overflow the skimmer or it may not perform at all.
Make sure your water level in the sump is appropriate for the skimmer you plan to purchase.
Or if you water level is to high you can build a simple stand to place the skimmer on.
(most new skimmers run in 8-10" of water) Now that we have the checklist down lets cover setting up the new Protein Skimmer.
Many manufacturers recommend doing a vinegar bath before operating the skimmer in the aquarium to remove any oils used in manufacturing.
Generally in my experience this is no longer necessary.
Most of the latest skimmers on the market will start pulling skimmate immediately with no prior break in or cleaning.
So first thing is first.
Assemble the skimmer according to the manufacturer instructions.
Place the skimmer into the sump and make sure it is level and in the correct amount of water.
When choosing the placement of the skimmer find a place that doesn't have to much water flowing moving by.
To much water flow moving by the skimmer is going to reduce the efficiency of the skimmer greatly.
So if you are using a large return pump that is more than 4-6x your water volume you will want to go with an external protein skimmer.
Next turn on the protein skimmer and make sure the riser tube is all the way open.
To find the rise tube look for the pvc that is the highest point on the external plumbing and generally it is labeled with an "open" and "closed".
Open would mean the water level in the skimmer is at its lowest point.
Closed means that's the highest the water can be adjusted to.
When first turning on the skimmer you want to be sure you are all the way "open".
Once you are comfortable that the skimmer is operating correctly and in the correct amount of water slowly adjust the riser tube ("closing") so that the water level is just below where the collection cup starts.
Be sure to keep an eye on the water level as most of the time there is a delay in the rising of the water and you don't want it overflowing.
Let the skimmer break in for a few days and generally you will start to see it pulling out the nasty organics within a few hours.
Another option is to run the skimmer for 3-4 days completely open.
Then after the break-in period adjust the water height up to the manufacturer suggested level to begin the skimming process.
However with a little bit of research and persistence the setup and maintenance of an aquarium should be quite easy and enjoyable.
The protein skimmer is the most important part of the aquarium.
Not only does it provide you with a nutrient export, but it also keeps your water crystal clear.
Below I am going to provide some explanations as what to look for when setting up a protein skimmer as well as certain aspects to consider before purchasing.
Checklist 1.
What size is your aquarium? Make sure you buy a skimmer that is rated double your actual aquarium size.
So if the manufacturer rates it at 50 Gallons, buy the 100 gallon version.
2.
What is the footprint? Make sure it will fit in your sump! Always make sure you can find accurate measurements.
You don't want to receive your new expensive skimmer only to find out it won't fit.
3.
Internal or External? Protein skimmers are available in internal (Just place it in the sump) Or external which requires additional plumbing and another pump to feed water to the skimmer.
4.
What water level does the skimmer perform best in? This is one specification that many people overlook.
The new pumps skimmers are using are very picky, if you are an inch or 2 off you may either overflow the skimmer or it may not perform at all.
Make sure your water level in the sump is appropriate for the skimmer you plan to purchase.
Or if you water level is to high you can build a simple stand to place the skimmer on.
(most new skimmers run in 8-10" of water) Now that we have the checklist down lets cover setting up the new Protein Skimmer.
Many manufacturers recommend doing a vinegar bath before operating the skimmer in the aquarium to remove any oils used in manufacturing.
Generally in my experience this is no longer necessary.
Most of the latest skimmers on the market will start pulling skimmate immediately with no prior break in or cleaning.
So first thing is first.
Assemble the skimmer according to the manufacturer instructions.
Place the skimmer into the sump and make sure it is level and in the correct amount of water.
When choosing the placement of the skimmer find a place that doesn't have to much water flowing moving by.
To much water flow moving by the skimmer is going to reduce the efficiency of the skimmer greatly.
So if you are using a large return pump that is more than 4-6x your water volume you will want to go with an external protein skimmer.
Next turn on the protein skimmer and make sure the riser tube is all the way open.
To find the rise tube look for the pvc that is the highest point on the external plumbing and generally it is labeled with an "open" and "closed".
Open would mean the water level in the skimmer is at its lowest point.
Closed means that's the highest the water can be adjusted to.
When first turning on the skimmer you want to be sure you are all the way "open".
Once you are comfortable that the skimmer is operating correctly and in the correct amount of water slowly adjust the riser tube ("closing") so that the water level is just below where the collection cup starts.
Be sure to keep an eye on the water level as most of the time there is a delay in the rising of the water and you don't want it overflowing.
Let the skimmer break in for a few days and generally you will start to see it pulling out the nasty organics within a few hours.
Another option is to run the skimmer for 3-4 days completely open.
Then after the break-in period adjust the water height up to the manufacturer suggested level to begin the skimming process.
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