Skimming

Skimming (also called foam fractionation) came on the scene about 10 years go. Since that time it has become widely recognized as one of the "essentials" of mechanical filtration. With the introduction of protein skimming, many corals which previously could only be kept by advanced reef-keepers have become available to even the novice hobbiest. As with everything, people always push the envelope, so today you will see advanced aquarists attempting "skimmerless" tanks. However, protein skimming still provides a means to a more stable, cleaner tank environment for your inhabitants.

Skimming works by removing dissolved organic particles from your water column before they have a chance to break down and turn into all the nasties that we try to avoid (ie, nitrates, nitrites, etc). Skimming is accomplished by bubbles being produced and injected into the water column within the reaction chamber of the skimmer. Dissolved organics are naturally attracted to the surface of the bubbles, to which they attach themselves. When the bubbles reach the top of the water in the body of the skimmer they form a foam, which rises in the riser tube and deposits in the collection chamber. What collects in the collection chamber is called "skimmate". Skimmate is normally a dark brown (tea) colored substance to a thicker dark green liquid.

Today there are three main types of skimmers: Venturi, Downdraft, and Airstone. The types mainly differ in how the bubbles are created and injected into the water in the reaction chamber of the skimmer. The Venturi method of skimming is where water is forced through a venturi, which is a tube that has a small hole which allows air to mix with the water and create the bubbles that are forced up the skimmer chamber to create the foam. In Downdraft models, the tank's water is pressurized by the skimmer pump and delivered to the skimmer's mixing tower where the pressurized water is fired through bio balls, which aerates the water while it passes through the bio-balls. This creates very fine-sized air bubbles, which are very effective in removing protein waste from your aquarium. This method also allows a very compact but powerful design. In the Airstone design, water is pumped into the reaction chamber of the skimmer and an airstone powered by an external air pump injects the bubbles into the water column.

We at ReefSplendor thoroughtly research all of our products before offering them to the public. Although all three methods of skimming have proven effective, it is pretty widely accepted that Venturi and Down Draft skimmers are more efficient and offer more bang for the buck. In these two realms of skimmers we offer the ETSS line of skimmers in downdraft models, and Lifereef, Aqua C, and CPR skimmers in Venturi models. We believe these companies have proven to be leaders in their fields, and produce consistent top quality products which meet Reef Splendor's standards of excellence.