Co-Current Skimming
Bubble size is a fundamental ingredient to a successful protein skimmer and various methods are used to create this "perfect" bubble. Originally, limewood was and still is used to create the froth. The European hobbyists were amongst the first to recognize the importance of skimming their aquariums. Specifically, the Germans marketed some of the finest models in their day, and still do. Tunze and others brought protein skimming to our shores with the original design. This was called Co-Current skimming.
The basic, Co-Current skimmers used an open-ended tube or cylinder with the bubble source mounted at it's base. As with uplift tubes utilized with undergravel filter plates, Co-Current skimmers used the volume of air bubbles rising in the column to bring the system water into contact within the chamber body. The water was "drawn" up into the cylinder from below the water's surface and once the bubbles burst at the collection cup, the treated or stripped waters simply "fell" back down into the aquarium. Here is a Typical Co-Current Skimmer, Either Hang-On Or Sump Mounted.
This method works but isn't terribly efficient. Why? Dwell time. Dwell time is the length of time the water is in contact with the bubbles. By lengthening the reaction chamber, more water could be processed and more "gunk" removed. Trouble was, not many folks wanted a 6' monster tube sticking up behind their aquariums!
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Counter-Current
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