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Protein Skimmers are recommended for Marine and
Brackish aquariums that have a salinity level of 16ppt or above.
What Is Protein Skimming?
Protein skimming is a process in which dissolved and particulate
organic carbons are removed from a liquid source - Aquarium water in
the application, it does this by absorbing them onto the surface of
fine bubbles that are rising in the closed contact column against a
counter current water flow. Once the bubbles have absorbed the
carbons they burst and form a stable foam at the top of the water
column, this accumulated organic waste is then discharged from the
column along with the foam that has been produced.
What
Are The Benefits Of Having A
Protein Skimmer?
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Removal of suspended solids from the aquarium.
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Removal of proteins and high molecular weight
compounds.
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Increased water clarity through the removal of humic
and phenolic compounds.
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Increased Oxygenation of the water.
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pH stabilisation due to the removal of organic
acids.
Factors To
Consider When Installing A Protein Skimmer...
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The salinity level in the Water.
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The air to water ratio.
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Air bubble diameter.
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The column height / Height of the protein
skimmer.
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The possible use of Ozone.
Bubble size is the most important factor to consider
and is controlled by the design of the protein skimmer. The smaller
the bubbles and the larger the swarm of bubbles created the better
performance level you will achieve from the Skimmer, by having a
efficient air diffuser or venturi you can create a maximum surface
area of bubbles for absorbing the organic compounds, smaller bubbles
also take a longer period of time to rise which will allow them more
contact time with the process water.
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