How Protein Skimmers Can Keep Your Aquatic Systems Flourish

Besides primary biological filtration systems, protein skimmers also know as foam fractionators are another effective way of keeping marine aquatic systems healthy.

These cylindrical filtration devices come in various designs and setups like

• in-tank
• hang-on-tank
• in-sump
• free standing

How Protein Skimmers Work

It’s the air bubbles produced inside a protein skimmer that strips the water of undesirable organic compounds. While the unwanted organic waste is being removed, oxygenation of the water is increased.

As a column of water passes through the protein skimmer, a mass of microscopic air bubbles is produced. The chemical compounds of organic matter present in the water cling to these bubbles which then float to the surface. There, the bubbles burst and the film of organic scum coating them is collected in a cup to be disposed of.

This frothy scum is a mixture of proteins, enzymes, fatty acids amino acids and many other compounds. Eliminating these compounds reduces the quantity of water by-products in the water like nitrates.

Behind The Process Of A Protein Skimmer

This filtration method was discovered when it was observed that the resulting effluent in wastewater treatment plants became clearer than before when high volumes of air bubbles were injected into a column of wastewater.

One of the principles underlying this technical process is surface tension, which is produced through the interaction between oxygen bubbles and the surrounding body of water. Friction produced by this interaction alters the molecular state of the complex organic compounds, enabling them to attach themselves to the air bubbles.

Protein skimmers are generally more effective in “saltier” water. The higher your tank water’s specific gravity, the more foam will be collected.

The three main factors influencing the effectiveness of a skimming process are contact time, air/water flow and bubble size.

Adjusting The Contact Time

By altering the direction in which air and water pass each other, one can increase the amount of contact time between the two. If water and air bubbles flow against each other in opposite directions, there is a counter current, and the contact time and effectiveness of the process are increased.

Bubble Size

This is another fundamental factor for successful protein skimming. Various methods have been used to create the “perfect bubble.” If they are too small, they do not rise fast enough, and are thus ineffective in carrying organic matter to the surface. Bubbles that are too big will not come in contact with the water long enough.

Air and Water Flow

If the quantity of air bubbles exceeds the water flow rate, it could result into too many bubbles exiting the skimmer unit, and ultimately being drawn up by the water pump and discharged into the aquarium. When the water flow rate is too strong, the air bubbles do not come into contact with the water long enough for organic compounds to adhere to them.

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