What makes a good protein skimmer?

Mako72 · 02/01/2010, 06:44 PM

Hello, what makes a good protein skimmer? How little trace elements it takes out and how much protein it removes? A little bit of both? Or do the high grade skimmers take more trace elements out than the cheaper ones?
Any feedback would be appreciated.

Mako72 · 02/01/2010, 06:45 PM

I have a biocube protein skimmer in my 29 gal biocube...I am debating whether it is worth using it.

Shane Hoffman · 02/01/2010, 07:29 PM

Strong pump that moves alot of water(which inturn will give you power to pull alot of air) and a vessel that allows for lengthy contact time for bubbles. Those are the basics. Then there are other tangibles such as impellar choice, diffuser, and being easily "tuneable".

Mako72 · 02/01/2010, 11:02 PM

Does the better the skimmer cause the more or less trace elements get taken out?

mick243 · 02/02/2010, 02:11 AM

no idea - nobody makes a test kit for "trace elements", so, anyone telling you a skimmer is removing "trace elements" how do they know??

Crowed · 02/02/2010, 06:08 AM

'Better' skimmer will take more trace elements out because produce more air, take out more organics, etc.., so with more skimmate is also removed more trace elements(at least in theory).
But, some belive that needle/pin/mesh/ wheele take out/destroy more planctons than true venturi(on the pump outlet) because such wheele is more aggressive, etc.. Also, some say(Koralen Zucht among others, IIRC) that needlewheel take more elements out, but im not so sure about it, at least, not because of wheele.

Crowed · 02/02/2010, 06:28 AM

Also, there is some research what say that titanium(wheele) percipitate pottasium out of the water, but beside old bubble kings, there are not any other titanium needlewheeles on market(at least as far as I know).
However, you do not have to worry too much about trace elements, positive sides of skimming are much greater than negativ, and your tank will have a lot of benefits because of good skimmer. (and you can always dose trace elements if you consider them necessary).

02/01/2010, 06:44 PM	#1
Mako72 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Eastern Pennsylvania Posts: 201	What makes a good protein skimmer? Hello, what makes a good protein skimmer? How little trace elements it takes out and how much protein it removes? A little bit of both? Or do the high grade skimmers take more trace elements out than the cheaper ones? Any feedback would be appreciated.

02/01/2010, 07:29 PM	#3
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	Strong pump that moves alot of water(which inturn will give you power to pull alot of air) and a vessel that allows for lengthy contact time for bubbles. Those are the basics. Then there are other tangibles such as impellar choice, diffuser, and being easily "tuneable". __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

02/02/2010, 02:11 AM	#5
mick243 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 176	no idea - nobody makes a test kit for "trace elements", so, anyone telling you a skimmer is removing "trace elements" how do they know?? __________________ MickT

02/01/2010, 06:45 PM	#2
Mako72 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Eastern Pennsylvania Posts: 201	I have a biocube protein skimmer in my 29 gal biocube...I am debating whether it is worth using it.

02/01/2010, 11:02 PM	#4
Mako72 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Eastern Pennsylvania Posts: 201	Does the better the skimmer cause the more or less trace elements get taken out?

02/02/2010, 06:08 AM	#6
Crowed Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 244	'Better' skimmer will take more trace elements out because produce more air, take out more organics, etc.., so with more skimmate is also removed more trace elements(at least in theory). But, some belive that needle/pin/mesh/ wheele take out/destroy more planctons than true venturi(on the pump outlet) because such wheele is more aggressive, etc.. Also, some say(Koralen Zucht among others, IIRC) that needlewheel take more elements out, but im not so sure about it, at least, not because of wheele.

02/02/2010, 06:28 AM	#7
Crowed Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 244	Also, there is some research what say that titanium(wheele) percipitate pottasium out of the water, but beside old bubble kings, there are not any other titanium needlewheeles on market(at least as far as I know). However, you do not have to worry too much about trace elements, positive sides of skimming are much greater than negativ, and your tank will have a lot of benefits because of good skimmer. (and you can always dose trace elements if you consider them necessary).