Thread: Protein Skimmer
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Old April 15th, 2009, 11:36 AM   #3
bderen
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Skimmers (also known as foam fractionators) originated in sewer processing plants. The original design was modified so that one can employ it on a salt water tank. It will not work on a freshwater setup because the bubbles will not create a foam thick enough to travel up the collection cup.

The great thing about skimmers is the fact that they are able to remove waste before it goes through the breakdown cycle and polutes the water. When this waste is removed by the skimmer your biological filter doesn't have to work on breaking it down to amonia, nitrite and then nitrates, thus water changes can be effectively minimized. (though not eliminated). Good skimmer will pull a lot of dark, stinky skimmate and have to be cleaned regularly (I empty and clean the cup every 2 days). Like stevem already mentioned I wouldn't setup a tank without a good skimmer either, although there are technologies effectively replacing it (provided you have the space)
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