How to Build a Counter Current Protein Skimmer

Protein skimmers or foam fractionators are essential pieces of equipment for the saltwater hobbyist. These filters are best known for their ability to strip organic material from the aquarium water and to remove this organic waste from the system before it decomposes. Of the different protein skimmer types that exist, the counter current model is most preferred by hobbyists. Aquarium water enters this skimmer from the top of the reaction chamber and flows out of the skimmer near its base. Ultra-fine bubbles that rise in the opposite direction to the flowing water strip waste material from the water.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-inch acrylic tube (3-inch diameter)
  • Air pump
  • 1 tube nontoxic 100% silicone sealer
  • Wooden air stone
  • 3-inch air tubing (1/4-inch diameter)
  • 3-inch diameter plastic cap
  • Small plastic bowl (1 pint)
  • 3-inch PVC pipe (1-inch diameter)
  • Plastic clamp
  • Drill
  • Bit (1/4-inch diameter)
  • Power head (100 gallons per hour)
  • Flat piece of rock
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 1-inch diameter hole in the center of the plastic cap. Cut a corresponding hole in the bottom of the 1-pint bowl.

    • 2

      Glue (using the 100% silicone) the plastic bowl onto the plastic cap. Ensure that the holes are in line with each other.

    • 3

      Insert the 3-inch piece of PVC pipe into the holes, so that one end is flush with the plastic top. The other end will be positioned within the 1-pint bowl.

    • 4

      Connect the wooden air stone to the 1/4-inch diameter air tubing. Connect the free end of the air tubing to the air pump. Position the air pump on a wall ledge above the aquarium.

    • 5

      Drill four 1/4-inch diameter holes into the 3-inch diameter acrylic tube. Drill these holes approximately 2 inches from the top end of the tube (where the plastic top fits on).

    • 6

      Glue the base of the acrylic tube over the intake plate of the power head, using the 100% silicone. Place on one side to dry for at least 24 hours.

    • 7

      Push the wooden air stone (attached to the air line) through the hole in the 1-pint bowl and down the acrylic tube, until it is approximately 3 inches from the bottom of the tube.

    • 8

      Place the plastic clamp onto the air pipe, close to the air pump. Position the power head on a flat piece of rock (in the aquarium), in such a manner that the acrylic tube stands vertically in the water.

    • 9

      Turn on the air pump. Adjust any violent flow of bubbles by tightening the clamp. Plug the power head into a wall power source.