Skimmers

[ramaseseniblikxviii]

Just picked up a book from a second-hand shop on tropical fish. It was published in 1976 and in the "Equiptment" section it refers to a contraption called a "skimmer"

I Quote (remember this is funky '76).....

" The urine skimmer is a vital new gadget made possible by the introduction of stronger air pumps.Its operation is simple in the extreme - blow enough air into a restricted chamber into which tank water is being forced to cuase water to froth and foam ;These slimey bubbles are then trapped in an upper storey of the chamber , where they soon burst and subside into a nasty yellowish liquid ,fish urine "

Has any body ever heard of such a contraption?
Does anybody use one ?
Or am I incredibly naive?

 

[OohFeeshy]

These are commonly used in marine tanks, you *can* get skimmers for FW, but the price tends to be horrendous.

 

[andywg]

As feesh said, these are not often used in FW as the lower weight of FW prevents the micro bubbles needed for a skimmer to work well.

 

[BHornsey]

Is this what the Marine guys call a protein skimmer?

 

[andywg]

Yep, used for removing hyrdophilic dissolved organic compounds from the water before they start to break down and cause nitrogen related issues (and also great ensuring adequate gas exchange and dissolving ozone).

 

[ramaseseniblikxviii]

Ok, I am naive then, but thanks for the info anyway guys.