Weird question... but absolutely valid!

I made an investment and bought a protein skimmer. After putting it together and watching videos of how it works (I still have to build my sump), there was ONLY one question in my head:

How do skimmer manufacturers claim they get rid of bad things like fish poop if, for what I've seen so far, fish poop sinks and the water that goes down to the skimmer compartment is "Skimmed" off the top of the display tank with an overflow box?

Huh??

 

When they talk about that they are referring to the micro particles the poop is made of. Skimmers removed dissolved organics which include micro fish poo. Granted, while it isnt gonna take out that massive terd the particles that detach from it are fair game to the skimmer.

 

As it decomposes, it dissipates in the water. The protein skimmer removes all of the stuff that is dissolved in the water that you don't necessarily see. The more water movement you have in your tank, the better you will stir things up and get rid of them through the skimming process. Simple explanation, but I think fairly accurate. Someone else elaborate if this isn't right.

 

LOL!

This is awesome! I'm sure there's micro fish poo that is no match for the skimmer. But I promise you, none of the ones that mentioned that feature mentioned the word "micro"

I guess they don't have to... skimmers work and it's proven. I just always come up with the weird questions for some reason.... like thinking about serious stuff isn't enough

Thanks for the reply.

- Mag.

 

Oh.. I see. I guess I never thought about that part of the decomposition process.
You're right... things will decompose and definitely get to the "micro" stage we were talking about above as they mix with the water.

It's just the smart thing to have for what I see.

- Mag.

 

From time to time we have skimmer threads, inevitably the conclusion is reached that DOC’s are in all our tanks and needs to be removed. If you decode ‘DOC’ you will get your answer….”Dissolved-Organic-Compounds” – of course ‘dissolved’ being the operative word here.

Here is a good read for you: Protein Skimmers

You are referring to Detritus, uneaten foods and fish poo-poo (it’s an industry term). A build up of detritus will cause an algae outbreak, which we all want to avoid. The key is to remove it – start with good flow (keep it in the column and the skimmer will get it), manually stir it up – in stall a filter sock in the sump if you do this. Lets see if I can spell this correctly, get some detritivores (bristleworms, cerith snails, some star’s etc).

Keep in mind, no questions are weird – just the weird people that ask them ! (don’t send me hate mail folks, just kidding here !)

 

I 100% agree with that statement