PROTEIN SKIMMER

[Lust]

what is a PROTEIN SKIMMER
and what does it do ??
is it good to have one ??

 

[Def]

A protein skimmer removes "wastes" from the tank using a column of bubbling water that simulates the action of the sea on the beach (ie: the white junk you get is natural protein skimming). They are used in marine systems. If you have a freshwater system, you don't need one. If you have a marine system, I'd hope you researched this first

 

[Lust]

A protein skimmer removes "wastes" from the tank using a column of bubbling water that simulates the action of the sea on the beach (ie: the white junk you get is natural protein skimming). They are used in marine systems. If you have a freshwater system, you don't need one. If you have a marine system, I'd hope you researched this first

nah i got tropical
hehe thanks for info

 

[yvez9]

You could always use one, though regular partial water changes remove the excess protein wastes in the water.

it will only extend the period between which you should do partial water changes. How long that extension is depends on your tank (how much stock, what you feed, how much you feed, how much plants, how much nitrate in your tap water and so on....)

IMO, you don't need one

 

[_fish_a_holic_]

Would I need one for a brackish water tank? (it's gonna start off FW as that's what the juvies (monos, scats) I'm gonna buy are used to and then gradually go brackish)

Would I need one immediately or when the SG gets higher and higher?

I saw a ten-dollar one, seems too cheap to be true. Does quality vary? (of course, but would the cheaper models do the same job?)

 

[OohFeeshy]

Are you sure it was a protein skimmer?
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...retp=322&rets=X
Look at the prices. If it is $10, I'd look at the make, and maybe get it. Even if you don't need it, well, its a vvvv. good bargain.

 

[CFC]

Conventional protien skimmers dont work in FW as the water density isnt high enough for them to function, the SG (salt content) of the water needs to be at least 1.006 before a protein skimmer is of any use and they increase in efficiency the higher the SG is (marine water is typicly 1.022). There are also FW skimmers now available which work on a high powered venturi type powerhead delivering the bubbles to create the foam but so far these are still too expensive for most hobbiests to consider since water changes do the same job and are virtually free.

Protein skimmers are highly recomended for high end brackish tanks with a SG of 1.006 or above as they remove many of the dissolved organic compounds from the water column so that costly water changes can have longer gaps between them.

 

[smithrc]

Conventional protien skimmers dont work in FW as the water density isnt high enough for them to function, the SG (salt content) of the water needs to be at least 1.006 before a protein skimmer is of any use and they increase in efficiency the higher the SG is (marine water is typicly 1.022). There are also FW skimmers now available which work on a high powered venturi type powerhead delivering the bubbles to create the foam but so far these are still too expensive for most hobbiests to consider since water changes do the same job and are virtually free.

Protein skimmers are highly recomended for high end brackish tanks with a SG of 1.006 or above as they remove many of the dissolved organic compounds from the water column so that costly water changes can have longer gaps between them.

Thanks CFC - i knew there was aguide to the SG limit at which they work.

 

[_fish_a_holic_]

Conventional protien skimmers dont work in FW as the water density isnt high enough for them to function, the SG (salt content) of the water needs to be at least 1.006

Cool! So I don't need one for awhile, might just snap up that bargain anyway, here's the link to the sale page.
The first one listed (AA Protein Skimmer)

Any good?

 

[smithrc]

even for an air powered skimmer $10 is a steal

 

[_fish_a_holic_]

Yay yay yay!!!
That site also had 300W heaters at $12 each a couple of months back. I it!

 

[Ed4567]

"Any good?"

This really depends on what you expect it to do, an internal air driven protein skimmer is never going to compare to a huge £250 in sump model, although the former could be right for your specific tank.

 

[_fish_a_holic_]

This really depends on what you expect it to do, an internal air driven protein skimmer is never going to compare to a huge £250 in sump model, although the former could be right for your specific tank.

It'll (eventually) be a 6x1x1 brackish tank, monos and scats and ?? Gonna take my time getting it to brackish tho..

 

[Ed4567]

To be honest CFC or someone who keeps a brackish tank would be better placed to reccomend a protein skimmer (I have a marine reef tank) although if it is a 6' tank I would guess you might want a bigger protein skimmer.