Dallas Aquarium Experts Recommends Protein Skimmers to their Saltwater Aquarium Service Clients
Protein Skimmers
Protein skimmers attempt to mimic the action caused by these aerated crashing waves. Protein skimmers physically remove dissolved organic compounds and other substances from a saltwater aquarium and are an important part of aquarium filtration and saltwater aquarium maintenance. These organic compounds are products of uneaten fish food, fish waste, and decomposing matter. Protein skimmers remove the wastes before they are broken down into nitrates. A saltwater aquarium or reef tank using a protein skimmer and professional saltwater aquarium service means higher water chemistry for a healthier saltwater aquarium.
Choosing a Quality Protein Skimmer
Here is what you need to know when choosing a protein skimmer. The size of the bubble is very important. Smaller bubbles rise more slowly in the water column than larger bubbles, giving them more time for organic compounds to attach to them. Smaller bubbles also have more surface area to which organic compounds can attach.
The water column in your protein skimmer should be almost white with bubbles. This means there will be millions of bubbles in the water column. If there is a lot of water with just a few bubbles in the water column the skimmer will not efficiently remove organic compounds.
An efficient protein skimmer will have thick, dark colored waste in its collection cup. If the waste is watery and pale or yellow in color adjust water level.
A skimmer that is too small will not operate effectively and will require more maintenance than one that is sized correctly for the gallons in the aquarium. Skimmer sizing on retail packaging can be general, and it may be prudent to purchase a skimmer that is rated for a larger aquarium if space and budget allow.
Here are two proteins skimmer we recommend to our saltwater aquarium service clients. We sell both of them and more at our Online Aquarium Store.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.91″ x 8.27″ x 18.31″
Built to perform
Extreme performance. Very smooth operation. Low power consumption. Easy to maintain.
Extreme performance
Performance, performance and once again performance. NYOS® Quantum® is characterized by high skimming performance as a result of the large amount of air in combination with and optimum air-water mixture.
Very smooth operation
Aquariums should be seen and not heard. That is NYOS® Quantum® is especially silent when running and therefore can hardly be heard.
Low power consumption
NYOS® Quantum® is conceived to be especially energy efficient and uses a minimum of power, despite its huge performance.
Easy to maintain
Consistently strong skimming and simple settings are a joy. For this reason, NYOS® Quantum® is especially easy to maintain and provides the same consistent level of performance over a long period of time. Reliable pump starts are a matter of course.
For a Hang on the Back Protein Skimmer we recommend
Reef Octopus BH1000 Hang on Protein Skimmer 100g
The compact Reef Octopus Classic 1000-HOB is a proverbial favorite among hang-on back protein skimmer users providing beneficial filtration for aquariums up to 105 gallons. With its unique design, the pump is mounted externally and under the actual skimmer body allowing for much less room needed behind the aquarium and less heat-to-water exchange. The Reef Octopus Classic 1000-HOB is constructed of high-quality acrylic and equipped with the new highly efficient Aquatrance pinwheel pump that produces an ideal mix of water and air for optimal waste removal.
Rated for Aquariums up to 100 Gallons
Footprint: 8″ x 3.5″ | Height: 17″
Powered by: Aquatrance 1000 Pinwheel Pump
Filtration Handling
– 100 gallon – Light Filtration Demand
– 75 gallon – Medium Filtration Demand
– 55 gallon – Heavy Filtration Demand
Protein skimmers are an essential piece of equipment for any saltwater aquarium or reef tank. Protein skimmers help reduce nitrate levels by hindering nitrate buildup.They remove organic waste before it has a chance to break down. Using a protein skimmer helps reduce nuisance algae and is essential in reef aquariums where a very low nitrate level is crucial for coral health.
DALLAS AQUARIUM EXPERTS 