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Surface skimmer used to clear the protein film (and also deaf floating leaves) that is formed at the water surface. This is applicable in planted tanks. Protein skimmer works slightly differently and applicable to marine saltwater tanks.
Hi everyone.....
I've actually read the thread below regarding surface skimmer......but I still can't really understand few things.
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/phpbb...ic.php?t=12019
Hopefully, my questions below will be answered by some of you here.
1. Does 'surface skimmer' and 'protein skimmer' refers to the same thing?
2. What's the function of it? Is it really necessary?
Thanx in advance.
Surface skimmer used to clear the protein film (and also deaf floating leaves) that is formed at the water surface. This is applicable in planted tanks. Protein skimmer works slightly differently and applicable to marine saltwater tanks.
... always look at the bright side of life
surface skimmer is used to skim the water surface. protein film, dust and any floating debris will be removed by the skimming effect and these stuff will go into your filter.
protein skimmer is used in marine tanks. protein will be trapped by minute bubbles and collected in a cup. the protein is effectively removed from the tank.
thomas liew
Thanx Joe...thanx tawauboy
Sorry guys....I have to ask again so as to be sure.
So, my understanding is that a surface skimmer's job is to clear the surface debris so to speak. Question is, will this debris promote SERIOUS harmful chemical effects on my planted tank?
Just worried
The protein form on the surface from what i know is not harmful. Some fishes like guppies or mollies even treat them as a source of food.
However, if yours is a planted tank, then you have to consider about removing it. The reason is because the protein on the surface of the water can actually block out a considerable amount of the light you supplied. This may result in the lack of light for your plant, especially if your light supplied just meet the minimum requirement. (2w per gal)
About the dead leaves, the skimmer only helps you to accumulate them. This will ease you in the removal of these dead matters since they are accumulated all at one point. If you do not not remove them, they may rot over time and add up to your nitrate level. This is something that we do not want.
Hence the decision is yours.
Thanx chua for the explanation.....
I guess I muz be extra vigilant if I decide to make do without the skimmer.
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