Aquarium fish keeping has always been considered an immensely enjoyable and fulfilling hobby. This fun and irresistible activity is becoming progressively popular among the American people. If you love to keep fish as pets, then learning to look after your fish tank or pond is of absolute importance for the well-being and happiness of your fish. Using a protein skimmer is one aspect of pond upkeep that must never be ignored.
A protein skimmer is a filtration device that removes undesirable proteins and other organic waste present in the water before they start rotting to form harmful and toxic nitrogenous waste like ammonia and nitrite. Skimmers are rather simple in design - it comprises of a glass chamber to hold a column of water, a bubble generator and a waste collection cup.
Why Use a Protein Skimmer?
When a skimmer is turned on, streams of bubbles from a bubble generator are pumped into the water column to produce a huge water/air interface. This interface attracts most of the undesirable organic molecules due to their hydrophobic (water-repelling) nature. This accumulation of organic waste continues till the water/air interface gets saturated and foam formation starts. The foam carries the accumulated waste to the top of the water column, where it gets transferred into a waste collection cup and removed by emptying the cup. Therefore, a protein skimmer is sometimes called a foam filtrator.
What a Protein Skimmer Does
In addition to removing organic wastes and waste from the water, a protein skimmer also does the following:
- Clears some inorganic impurities like phosphates.
- Clears any toxins released by corals or invertebrates present in the aquarium.
- Ease the load on the biological filter.
- Suppresses algae build-up and removes bacteria.
- Increases the oxygen level in the water.
However, it may also remove natural food sources like plankton and trace elements like iodine, which are required for reef aquariums.
How to Use a Protein Skimmer?
Positioning is the one of major considerations while using a protein skimmer. For optimum efficiency, it should be the first device in the filtration system. It can be placed inside the pond if there is enough room or outsidethe pond. Remember, for your protein skimmer to work steadily, you need to service it from time to time - the bigger the collection cup, less frequent the cleaning. A tiny collection cup may require emptying on a daily basis.
How to Select a Good Protein Skimmer?
Firstly, you must decide on its placement. Secondly, think about how much effort you are willing to spend on its upkeep. Lastly, how much money you are willing to spend and whether you want any add-ons like an ozonizer. Protein skimmers are available in a broad range of designs, sizes and prices - the more costly ones require less upkeep and are easier to install. Whatever the case, try to purchase a protein skimmer with a large collection cup. Also remember, the stronger the bubble generator, the more efficient is the protein skimmer.
---------
John Roberts is the webmaster of PondCreation101.com. Visit his site for more free tips on how to create your very own pond in your garden.
No comments:
Post a Comment