DIY Plans for Protein Skimmers

A protein skimmer, or foam fractioner, is a device used in saltwater aquariums to remove organic compounds from the water before they break down into waste and pollute the water. There are several different ways to build one on your own with easy-to-find materials for less than $100.

  1. Protein Skimmer

    • A protein skimmer is basically a large tube through which water is sent by a pump. Water is forced into the skimmer's top by an air pump, and bubbles are created by wooden air blocks placed at the cylinder's bottom and an air pump forcing air through them. The bubbles meet the water and the protein elements in the water connect to the bubbles, which rise to the top and are collected as foam in a removable cup.

    Parts of a Protein Skimmer

    • There are six main parts of a protein skimmer: the collection cup, the riser column, the skimmer body, the siphon break, the water returns and the recirculation feed. Build each of these parts in turn and then connect them together. Then connect the skimmer to a water pump on the top to feed the water in and an air pump at the bottom to create the bubbles.

      Protein skimmers are constructed mostly of PVC pipe and various connectors that can be found at most home improvement shops and many places online. Use 1/2 inch, 1 inch, 2 inch, and 4 inch PVC pipe on your skimmer, plus PVC connectors, elbows and adapters. You will need extruded acrylic tubing to make the riser column, however.

    The Process

    • You will need PVC cement to connect all of the pieces together as well as teflon tape for the threaded parts. Glue all of these parts together using PVC cement. Thicken the cement so that it holds together better. The threaded parts should be fastened together with 3/4-inch teflon tape.

      There are a lot of parts, but all that is required in the building is connecting each part together in turn. Build the collecting cup first, then the riser column, followed by the skimmer body, the siphon break, the water returns and the recirculation feeds and then connect each component together from the top to the bottom of the skimmer.