What is Protein Skimming and Why is it so important?
A protein
skimmer is one of the most important pieces of filtration equipment
for marine aquariums, regardless of whether they are full-blown
reef aquariums or simple fish systems; indeed, a protein skimmer
can in many cases be considered life-support equipment.
Although many beginning hobbyists may scoff at the cost of a high-quality
protein skimmer, they should take into consideration that the
price of the skimmer and pump required to operate it are small
in comparison to the amount of money they are likely to spend
replacing sick and/or dead animals that died as a result of poor
water quality!
A Protein Skimmer is a very important tool in reducing the amount
of dissolved organic material in the aquarium water. (Elevated concentrations
of organic matter in an aquarium are an indication of a poorly
maintained system in which few desirable life forms will thrive.
So, the goal is to get these organics out of the water; this is
why a protein skimmer is essential). This material consists of protein fragments and
other waste, which assemble at air/water surfaces. Protein skimming
(also called foam fractionation) can be considered as a form of
mechanical filtration, since it is a physical process of removing
substances from water, without any chemical or biological action.
While a mechanical or pre-filter removes particles, a Protein
Skimmer removes suspended or dissolved organic waste and invisible
particles from the aquarium water. The advantage of Protein Skimming
lies however in the fact that waste material is continuously removed,
separating it from the water flow. Efficient removal of organic
matter (organic matter is a major
source of the nutrients needed by microalgae (hair algae)
and cyanobacteria (slime algae) to grow and reproduce,
covering every non-mobile object and animal in the aquarium in
a sheet of waving hair or oily slime) ,and dissolved waste, helps to reduce the amount
of harmful floating bacteria, reduce the yellow discoloration
of your aquarium water, limit nitrate and phosphate build up,
and prevent the development of algae through out the aquarium.