Purpose And Working Basics Of A Protein Skimmer In Aquarium Tanks

The waste that is collected in a fish aquarium includes fish waste, decomposing particles such as unconsumed food and other particles. This is the reason why aquarium tanks in the absence of a filtering system tends to get cloudy and deposited with organic waste. Skimming is a popular method of removing residue from a tank. They are also known as foam separators, foam fractionators, or air-strippers.

The protein skimmers were originally used in the water treatment industries to remove residue and organic particles before water supply reached into factories. The technicality in the skimmer uses the mechanism of organic particles being attracted to water bubbles.

Particles that usually settle as residue:

• Primary and secondary amines
• Amino based sugars
• Alcohols and fatty acids
• Lipids or fats

A much more generalized term for all that is generated as waste in an aquarium is classified as Dissolved Organic Compounds (DOCs). It is generated basically due to breaking down of biological materials in the tank. They have a high composition of bacteria, algae and other solvents.

Process:

Step 1: Waste water is processed in a column of air bubbles

Step 2: Residue is collected in the foam (Foam created by passing gas through liquid that has lot of surface particles)

Step 3: Residue disposed to collection area

Basic parts of a skimmer:

• The body: The body of the skimmer is where contact between the DOCs and water takes place.
• The foam separation area: This is where the organic laden foam is separated from the water.
• The collection cup: Collects the foam that spills over and collected as residue.

Get high quality aquarium filters and protein skimmers at www.saltysupply.com

Brief guide to set up your first salt water aquarium

Find the right spot:

Firstly figure out the spot where you are going to place it based on the size of the tank. Ideally the tank should be away from the windows, vents and air conditioners. Sudden changes in temperature can have a dire effect on the fish, this is more important when it comes to salt water fish. Make sure your floor is strong enough to hold the weight of the tank. Approximately the tank will weigh around 10 lbs. per gallon. Place aquariums where they can get ample sunlight. Check for accessible power outlets nearby for aquarium pumps and illumination.

Prepare the tank:

• Rinse thoroughly and place it in its spot
• Check for any off-balance in the table or the tank itself so they are stable
• (Note: An unsteady tank can be hazardous as there is risk of cracks developing and you getting injured in the process)
• Fill it up with a few inches of water; see if they are level all around the circumference of the tank
• Place the background image on to the tank
• Fill up the tank to half, now check for any leakages

 

Aquarium Filters & Protein Skimmers:

Rinse the filter and place it in position in the tank. While attaching skimmers be sure to check all the tubes are secured into valves. Check the air pumps. The check valves can be placed from 3-4 inches away from the air pump for accurate functioning

Salts, minerals and substrate:

Place them in the tank evenly so they don’t clutter. Add the required amount of salts/minerals to the tank. Check salinity levels after the stabilization period of 24 hours. Install the heater and thermometer based on manufacturer’s instructions.

Wait for Stabilizing of the aquarium:

The aquarium setup once fully installed let it be for 24-48 hours for the temperature to stabilize and water to get ready. There may be a murky look in your tank during the process which is natural. Wait for everything to settle. Now introduce your fish friends to their new home.

Buy saltwater aquarium kits from www.saltysupply.com