| Why are Protein Skimmers Important? | | | | to buy after understanding the types available. |
| There are many reasons why a protein skimmer | | | | 1.Co-current - Co-current protein skimmers are called |
| becomes indispensable to an aquarium. Here are | | | | so because here the water from the aquarium is |
| some of these reasons - reasons why you should | | | | made to move only in one direction (upwards), and |
| spend on a protein skimmer: | | | | the bubbles move along with the flow of the water. |
| 1.They can remove the organic wastes almost as | | | | The exchange of wastes is done between the water |
| soon as they are formed in your aquarium. That | | | | and the bubbles as both move towards the top, side |
| means, you are able to eliminate them before they | | | | by side. |
| are disintegrated by the bacteria in the tank into | | | | 2.Counter Current - In counter current protein |
| nitrogenous matter. Nitrogen in the tank can be | | | | skimmers, the bubbles move downwards for a while |
| harmful, as it will interfere with the properties of the | | | | as the water moves in the upward direction. The |
| water and even get converted into toxic forms that | | | | bubbles move downwards for some time, till the |
| could be life-threatening to the inhabitants of the | | | | exchange takes place and then they take the waste |
| aquarium. | | | | matter to the cup on the top. The advantage is that |
| 2.If you are continuously removing the organic protein | | | | the counter current mechanism facilitates for better |
| wastes from the aquarium with the skimmer, it is | | | | contact between the dirty water and the bubbles |
| obvious that the aquarium will not require frequent | | | | and hence more effectiveness. |
| water changes. | | | | 3.Circulating Current - These are a new development, |
| 3.Apart from the protein wastes, they are also | | | | in which the mechanism is the same, but the water is |
| capable of removing fatty substances that collect in | | | | made to enter into the protein skimmer a number of |
| the tank and some carbohydrates. Even organic | | | | times through a circulating device. This increases the |
| molecules containing elements like copper can be | | | | time of contact and ensures a high degree of |
| eliminated. | | | | purification of the water. |
| How do you choose a Protein Skimmer for your | | | | Your choice of protein skimmer will certainly depend |
| Aquarium? | | | | upon the type of aquarium and the budget. The |
| But, though a "skimmer" is a very essential device, it | | | | co-current skimmer are the cheapest, and they are |
| is also one of the most expensive additions that you | | | | quite effective for small size freshwater and |
| will make to your aquarium. That is the reason why | | | | saltwater aquariums. Prices are high for the counter |
| you should buy the most suitable skimmer, as it will | | | | current variety, and the circulating ones are the |
| be a one-time expense you will make. A good | | | | costliest. But it you have a very large aquarium, like |
| skimmer will also be durable and will be with you for a | | | | the ones they keep in commercial places, you will |
| long time. | | | | need a powerful skimmer. In such cases, counter |
| Here are the different types of protein skimmers | | | | current and circulating current protein skimmers |
| that are available in the market. You can decide what | | | | become essential. |