Protein Skimmers

Why do I need a protein Skimmer? What does a protein skimmer do? If you are just diving into the depths of saltwater fishkeeping, you may be asking these questions. When it comes to filtration in a saltwater tank, a protein skimmer is a staple piece of equipment.

Protein Skimmers

What is a protein skimmer?

A protein skimmer is a device that works non-stop 24-7 to remove organics as they form inside a saltwater aquarium.

Organics can be defined as any uneaten food, chemicals, decaying organisms, or waste from fish or coral. As these organics desolve, they can wreak havic on a saltwater aquarium. It has even been linked to increased disease problems. To avoid these issues, hobbyist use a protein skimmer to remove the organic build up which inevitably improves the overall health and appearance of their aquarium.

While it is not required to add a protein skimmer to a saltwater aquarium, it is agreed amongst most saltwater fish keepers that adding a protein skimmer to an aquarium can be a wise investment as it makes it much easier to maintain. In fact, the benefits will almost always outweigh the cost of a protein skimmer. 

Fun Fact

A protein skimmer will not work with freshwater aquariums. In fact, it is the bubbles from saltwater that help with the cleaning process. Organics and pollutants in the aquarium are attracted to the microbubbles contained in the skimmer and will eventually rise into the waste collection cup.

What are the benefits of a protein skimmer?

There are many benefits to using a protein skimmer. For one, it collects waste around the clock. This device is constantly working to clean proteins, carbohydrates, dead plankton, and any other dissolved organic compound out of the aquarium’s water. If not removed, these organics will inevitably have a negative effect on the health of the aquarium. While nitrates and phosphates cannot be directly removed out of the water, the goal with a protein skimmer is to remove the compounds before they have the opportunity to break into harmful ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates.

Secondly, without having a protein skimmer, water clarity will lack, causing the tank to be unsightly, reducing light penetration, and inhibiting coral growth. 

Benefits of a Protein Skimmer:

Assists in the exportation of fish waste 
Promotes gas exchange and increased oxygenation
Increased pH
Helps support a larger fish load
Stronger coral growth
Less Cyanobacteria growth
Better light penetration

What are the benefits of a protein skimmer?

Assists in the exportation of fish waste 
Promotes gaseous exchange and Increased oxygenation
Increased pH
Helps support a larger fish load
Stronger coral growth
Less Cyanobacteria growth
Better light penetration

DID YOU KNOW?

Most filter sumps have a dedicated space for protein skimmer?

IceCap RS-36XL Technical Specs:

Skimmer Chamber: 16 x 14.7in
Refugium Size:16 x 8.3in
Return Chamber: 8.3 x 8.9in
Sock Size: 7in
Freshwater Reservoir Size: 12gal / 46L
Probe Bracket: 3 - 15.5mm holes
Overall Footprint: 36 x 23.5 x 16in
Drain Bulkhead: 2 - 1.5in

LEARN MORE

What are the different types of Protein Skimmers?

Hang On Back (HOB) Skimmer

No sump required
Easy to install

Traditional In-Sump Skimmer

Pump mounted externally to the body
Easy to access
Occupies more space

External Recirculating Skimmers

Ultimate performance
Advanced Control
Easy to Service
Requires feed source
More intricate installation

Space Saver In-Sump Skimmer

Pump mounted inside the skimmer body
Easy to access
Occupies less space

Traditionally, protein skimmers have resided inside a sump. In-Sump Skimmers usually are the best bet, safest, and most reliable option.

Alternatively, a Hang On Back Protein Skimmer is also a popular choice. They are very useful in a traditional, non-drilled, aquarium. In this application they are placed on the side or back of your aquarium. Reef Octopus has a great selection of this style that can handle up to 130 gallons!

If space is not a worry, an Externally Plumbed Protein Skimmer can allow for an extra-large protein skimmer to be refractionating the water. These are more commonly used for commercial setups where skimmers can filter thousands of gallons.

And if space is of concern, a Nano Protein Skimmer is going to be the best option. These are small profile skimmers, usually meant for tight fits or in the back of an AIO (All In One) aquarium. As nano reef aquariums have grown in popularity, so has the interest and demand of small protein skimmers. The Icecap K1 NANO skimmer has a footprint of just 2.75” x 3.2" and yet still has the bioload capacity of 30 gallons!

Bioload Handling Explained?

There are lots of options, price points and features available with protein skimmers. When choosing a protein skimmer, it’s important to consider the expected tank size and bioload. Note that all skimmers listed on the CoralVue website have Bioload Handling Specifications to help hobbyists find the right skimmer for their specific set-up. For example, a Reef Octopus Classic 152-S has the capacity to handle 150 gallons of a LIGHTLY stocked tank. Meanwhile it can still be expected to filter 80 gallons with a HEAVILY stocked tank.

HEAVY

80 GAL

MEDIUM

100 GAL

LIGHT

150 GAL

What are the Parts of a Protein Skimmer?

Collection Cup
The collection cup accumulates waste over a period of 7-10 days.  It is removable for cleaning. 
Drain Plug
It is an option to drain the collection cup to a reservoir.  This plug holds the liquid in the cup.
Air Silencer
As air is pulled into the skimmer this silencer dampens the sound. 
Tuning Valve
This valve controls the height of the bubbling reaction inside the cone of the skimmer. 
Bubble Plate
This is what creates the violent bubbling reaction inside the skimmer.  Allowing for tiny bubbles to be created, maximizing exposure time and producing better skimmate.
Venturi
Water flowing in from the power of the pump pulls air in using the Venturi Effect.  This is essential to the function of the skimmer.  Light maintenance can be required to maximize efficiency.

Features of Protein Skimmers

Reef Octopus
VarioS Controller

AC vs. DC Pumps

The vast majority of skimmers available to hobbyists are alternating current "AC" pumps (the type of power that comes out of your wall outlet). Direct current “DC” pumps have several key advantages over traditional AC pumps. Most notably, you can control the rotational speed of the motor, thus electronically control air and water flow rates into the skimmer. Now the user can have the skimmer process more or less water just by the push of a button!

Reef Octopus Skimmers with a Various pump come equipped with the pictured controller, there we can set the pump speed.  Think coarse and fine adjustment, pump speed being coarse and the manual tuning valve being the fine adjustments.  This allows for extreme precision in skimming level and be the most efficient. There is also a timeout feature, 15 min and 60 minutes.  This is relatively common on DC Powered skimmers.  Much more controllability!

Float switch found on Reef Octopus
Regal Skimmers and all VarioS pumps

Safety Features

Expanding further into safety, there is also a 0-10v input on the bottom, this is a port for the float sensor that is built into some skimmers collection cup lids.  When the sensor determines the collection cup is full, it will automatically shut down, preventing any spills of concentrated skimmate back into the system...or the floor!

Maintenance of Protein Skimmers

How to Tune a Protein Skimmer?

Any piece of equipment in an aquarium can expect some level of maintenance. Below we have broken down routine maintenance that should be completed.  This can extend the life of your equipment, but also increase efficiency at removing waste and organic buildup.  Most modern skimmers are very easy to take apart and clean for this purpose.  Elbow grease on an acrylic pad usually covers the majority of the mess, however we can always rely on an old-fashioned vinegar bath. With a 1:1 mixture of vinegar to water. Let soak for 24 hours and rinse before putting back in the aquarium!

Weekly

Empty Collection Cup

A weekly cleaning and emptying of the collection cup are needed to continuously export waste.
Cleaning of the neck will also benefit the efficiency of the skimming

Check Adjustment, level of bubbles

A weekly change of the breaking point of the bubble column can mean a clog somewhere in the system.
We want to be as efficient as possible and adjust to maximize the waste without risking an overflow. Take your time over weeks and get comfortable with your skimmer.

Monthly

Inspect Venturi

Buildup can occur at the Venturi, as it's right near there the skimmer intake, we can expect some gunk to build up overtime.
If the Venturi is clogged, bubbles will not be produced.

Internal Body Cleaning

A quick wipe of the internal side of the skimming body will help prevent excess buildup.

6-Month Maintenance

Disassembly and Deep Cleaning of the Skimming Body

Remove the Venturi, Airline, Baseplate, Pump, and bubbling tray for cleaning.
Elbow grease should suffice for most, however for a deeper cleaning we can use vinegar to our advantage.  A 1:1 Mixture of vinegar to water should work for stuck on coralline.  Bath for 12-24 hours. Rinse before returning to the aquarium.

Take apart Skimmer Pump

The pinwheel of the skimming pump can get clogged overtime prevent efficient intake
Fully disassemble pump and clean, a vinegar bath can be used here as well.

Clean Intake Airline

Rinse with water to remove any debris inside.

Wipe Clean Any Electricals

Powerplugs, Electrical Cords and Controller Boxes can all buildup with salt creep, wipe away clean to prolong the life of all the equipment.
If not already, take this time to mount and clean up the electrical wires and controller box
Ensure the “Drip Loop” is still set for the skimmer plug to the outlet.