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An
Article by George J. Reclos, Takis Tsamis & Andreas Iliopoulos
THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE MARCH 2002
ISSUE OF FAMA
Conclusion
Protein
skimmers, when designed and installed properly on an aquarium system, can
be very effective in removing organic compounds, which, if they remained
in the tank, would break down in toxic compounds. Skimming (both surface
and protein), maintains high levels of Oxygen in the water. With surface
skimming, the oily surface film is removed, so that gas exchange is more
efficient on the water surface. This phenomenon forces the thin skimmed
water layer to be exposed to air. Protein skimmers remove organic waste
before their decomposition during which Biological and Chemical
Oxygen Demand (B.O.D. & C.O.D.) is high. By
reducing both B.O.D. & C.O.D. compounds, we achieve
pH stability within our system.
Even an
out-sized partially clogged skimmer unit is better than no skimming at
all. Choose the right stuff for your particular tank, and you will have
invested your money in the best way. Information on DIY skimmers is
available in many “fishy” websites, but they require a very careful
construction and the correct selection of materials to guarantee its
correct operation. It also requires a basic knowledge of the principles of
skimming. It can be done though, and it will save you some money while you
will have the opportunity to build a skimmer tailored to your needs. On
top of that, you will have the pleasure of creating it yourself.
9. Pre-skimming set up
10. In-Sump Skimmer design
11. Container within sump to eliminate overflow
References
Anderson, Bryce P. 1971.
Protein skimmer. Marine Aquarist 2(4):71.
Dyer, Scott & J. Charles
Delbeek. 1991. To skim or not to skim? That is the question; understanding
and using protein skimmers can make all the difference. AFM 1/91.
Escobal, Peter R. 1995.
Inside protein skimmers; more than you ever wanted to know. AFM 2/95.
Giovanetti, Thomas A.
1988. Protein skimmers and ozone in marine aquaria… their use and
maintenance. FAMA 5/88.
Giovanetti, Thomas A.
1991. How to evaluate a protein skimmer. TFH 11/91.
Goldstein, Robert J.
Protein skimmers; innovative thinking and modern technology make them
jewels among aquarium products. Pet Age 11/93.
Greco, Frank. 1987. The
living reef, comments on miniature coralreef systems. Part one: protein
skimming and ozonation. FAMA 9/87.
Keith, Randy E. 1980.
Protein skimmers in the marine aquarium. FAMA 9/80.
Lemkemeyer, Jurgen. 1988.
The marine aquarium; possible without a skimmer? Today’s Aquarium 1/88.
Montgomery, Bill. 1990.
The misunderstood co-current protein skimmer. FAMA 5/90.
Nilsen, Alf Jacob. 1990.
The successful coral reef aquarium, part 1: protein skimming. FAMA 8/90.
Thiel, Albert J. 1992.
Servicing your protein skimmer. FAMA 10/92.
Thiel, Albert J.1989.
Advanced reef keeping. (Aardvark Press)
Wilkens, Peter. 1992.
Technological overkill? Skimmers and trickle filters: pros and cons. TFH
2/92.
Dwivedy, R.C. 1973. Removal
of dissolved Organic through Foam Fractination in Closed Cycle Systems for
Oyster Production. (American Society of Agricultural Engineers)
Wheaton, F.W. 1977.
Aquacultural Engineering.
Wotton, R.C. 1988. Dissolved
organic material and trophic dynamics.
Achterkamp, A. 1986. De
eiwitafschuimer … ja – ne? (Het Zee – Aquarium 36)
J.C. Delbeek & J. Sprung
1995. A comprehensive guide to the identification and care of tropical
marine invertebrates. Vol. 1, second edition.
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