2.2.1 Counter Current Air Driven Protein Skimmer
Description
This article is from the ReefKeepers FAQ, by several authors (see the Credits section).
2.2.1 Counter Current Air Driven Protein Skimmer
These skimmers usually require three pieces of equipment typically
not sold with them: an air pump, air stones and a water pump.
Total skimmer cost depends upon the kinds of equipment needed to
run the skimmer properly.
The water pump injects the water to be skimmed into the unit.
Some people use gravity to feed surface overflow water to the
skimmer or divert part of the main circulation pump's return flow
into the skimmer to eliminate the need for a dedicated pump.
Otherwise a powerhead in the sump usually suffices for the water
pump.
The air pump must be large enough and a sufficient number of air
stones must be driven to make the skimming column milky white. In
some skimmers one medium sized air pump like a Tetra Luft G and
one air stone will be sufficient. Other skimmers need more to
perform optimally.
Air driven skimmers should use limewood air stones which will need
to be replaced from time to time. Cheap limewood air stones have
a reputation of needing to be replaced much more often than high
quality stones. Coralife limewood air stones have a good
reputation. Air stone replacement rate depends on your tank and
skimmer; some people need to change them every 2 weeks others only
after 3-4 months.
A.J. Nilsen recommends a 1x tank volume per hour turnover of both
water and air by counter current air driven skimmers. Others feel
each skimmer has an optimal rate of air and water processing and
that if more skimming is desired then more or bigger skimmers
should be added rather than trying to operate the current one
beyond its optimal performance range.
Some hold that any skimmer under 4' high and 4" in diameter is too
small for anything over about a 20 gallon reef.
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