Re: Protein skimmers (was: box filter)

[IDMiamiBob@aol.com]

Peter writes:

> Does it make any sense using a protein skimmer to clear the water from
>  dissolved organics ?  They are fairly easy to build and, although it is
>  more complicated to adjust the flowrate of water and air for optimum
>  performance, even below optimum levels they are very efficient in clearing
>  water in tanks that get lots of frozen food.  Is anyone using skimmers in
>  breeding tanks for this purpose ?

Protein skimmers (aka foam fractionators) are not particularly effective in 
fresh water, primarily because of the size of the airstone bubbles when 
compared to salt water.  I am cautious to say they won't work at all, because 
I had some incidental fractionation with my air-pwered RUGF that left brown 
skimmate stains on the wall from DOCs that atomized as the bubbles broke in 
the top of the tubes.

Peter, do you know a way to improve their efficiency in fresh water, either 
by reducing bubble size, or other means?

Bob Dixon


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