Skimmers?

What is the purpose of protein skimmers, sumps, wet dry filters and how do they work.

 

Wet dry filters use aerobic bacteria to convert ammonia and nitrite ( fish waste and toxic) to nitrate which is less toxic to fish. A protein skimmer removes organic wastes and chemicals from the water before they can be broken down to nitrate. Sumps are a water resevoir usually under the tank where you divert water from the main tank for biological and chemical filtration. You can add your heater, protein skimmer, biological filter and refuge ( A refuge is an area where you grow macro algae which naturally exports nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates which the algae uses as a food source). The water is then pumped back into your main tank.

 

Thanks alot

gabe