Protein skimmers are pretty much standard on any saltwater tank including reef tanks. They reduce the amount of organic matter (fish and coral waste) in the water column. Now go to any website and you’ll find at least 10 different brands, styles, and designs of skimmers. These days with technology being what it is, most protein skimmers are equally matched. (Not including the super cheap skimmers for $40 and under) There may be small nuances that make each one the latest and greatest, but for the most part they are fairly similar to one another.
Although there are a few different ways to improve your skimmer. Now mind you these tips are for folks who already have a protein skimmer. If you are looking to buy a new skimmer, a blog post about that will be coming out soon.
1. Service the entire skimmer once a month. This includes taking apart the pump, impeller, and air hose and giving it a good wash with the spray nozzle on your garden hose.
2. Adjust the skimmer to produce the most amount of “sludge” in the collection cup. Especially after water changes make sure to adjust the skimmer, and come back to adjust the skimmer again after the skimmer has settled down.
3. Replace the pump if bubbles are not creating enough sludge in the collection cup.
4. Place a pvc tee and filter sock at the end of the skimmer if the micro bubbles are getting into the tank.
5. Clean the collection cup on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If the collection cup is not filled with some sort of sludge within this period of time refer to the previous steps.
The advances protein skimmers have made over the years has been extremely positive, and has made fishkeeping more enjoyable for both you the hobbyist as well as for the health of the fish. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line in the Contact Us page.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This man did an amazing job on my tank and his blog is very helpful to
Thanks Jason
Bob
Thanks Jason,
What you did for my tank saved my fish and made it look amazing I didn’t know what simple things I could do to keep my alive. Like the protein skimmers and how to introduce new fish. This blog is very helpful and I’ll be checking back weekly. Call this guy he is amazing!
John C
Just doing my part John. Trying to empower folks with knowledge to make you a more successful hobbyist. Keep watch for more updates.
I’m often searching for recent informations in the internet about this issue. Thankz!
I somehow dont agree with a few things, but its great anyways.
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language
See you!