Information on Protein Skimmers

Saltwater aquariums can be a beautiful addition to any home. Filled with colorful animals and corals, these marine establishments may yield high aesthetic rewards but can be very difficult to maintain. Marine aquariums require far more care than traditional freshwater aquariums and often demand more equipment. One of those vital pieces of equipment is known as a protein skimmer.

  1. What is a Protein Skimmer?

    • A protein skimmer is a device that usually sits in the sump of your saltwater aquarium and removes organic compounds, like fish waste and the corpses of various copepods often found in reef tanks, before they have the chance to to decompose into harmful materials. This removal of compounds makes the aquarium's main biological filter more efficient and increases the water's overall cleanliness.

    How Do They Work?

    • The majority of protein skimmers work via a process known as foam fractionation. Water moves into a chamber at the bottom of the protein skimmer and comes into contact with a column of bubbles. These bubbles collect organic compounds like proteins in a foam, which is then taken to the top of the skimmer, where it collects in a cup. This foam will then liquefy into a substance that can be conveniently disposed of.

    What Kind of Protein Skimmers Are Out There?

    • There are a variety of protein skimmers available from a number of different manufacturers, but in general there are two types: in-sump protein skimmers and external protein skimmers. In-sump protein skimmers sit in the sump of your saltwater aquarium, which is usually a basin that also contains the aquarium's main biological filter. External protein skimmers sit on the outside of your aquarium and typically hang on the side, taking water in through a tube and expelling cleaned water back into the tank via a spillway.

    Do I Need a Protein Skimmer?

    • Protein skimmers are essential for any saltwater aquarium that contains live rock. Live rock is a porous stone that contains microorganisms like copepods that provide food for fish and invertebrates. Because of the high volume of copepod detritus, protein skimmers are essential for removing the resulting biological material before it can be broken down. Protein skimmers are also required for any aquariums containing coral or octopi, as both produce a great amount of waste. Fish-only saltwater aquariums with dry or artificial rock do not typically need protein skimmers.

    How Much Do They Cost?

    • The cost of a protein skimmer varies with power and price. Inexpensive protein skimmers can cost as little as $50 as of 2010, but may be designed only for small aquariums. Larger protein skimmers average around $220, with external filters generally being slightly more expensive than in-sump filters.