A protein skimmer is constructed in a tube or tower design, has a collection cup at the top, and in some cases a water return tube. The skimmer works by injecting massive, very fine air bubbles into the tube by means of using either air stones or a high pressure water pump and air valve. The rising air bubbles act as a lift in the tube, allowing the chemical compounds of the DOC's to attach to the bubbles and hitch a ride to the surface, where they are captured in the collection cup and disposed of.
The explanation of what and how skimming works is pretty straight forward, now let's take a look at the three basic styles of protein skimmers used:
- With the Air Driven Counter Current set up, in addition to the skimmer tower it uses an air pump, air stones, and sometimes a water pump. This is the most common type of skimmer used overall and you can find them commercially available at any good saltwater fish store or mail order company.
- The Venturi style skimmer uses a venturi value to inject air bubbles into the water by means of a high pressure water pump. On Albert Thiel's Venturi Protein Skimmers information page he describes a venturi valve as a special type of valve that has one entry for air, and two, an entry and an exit, for water. He also states that, "They are smaller, fit underneath the aquarium cabinet, and are often less expensive".
- The E.T.S. (Environmental Tower Scrubber) or Downdraft style skimmer uses a tower with plastic bio media, like bio-balls, in the center of the tower where water is forced down through it by means of a high pressure stream of water.
More About Skimmers & Skimming
All About Protein Skimmers from Don Carner
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