Why Is A Protien Skimmer Needed?

[Jeff000]

So I was thinking, why is a protien skimmer needed?
and when is it not needed? ie can live rock in a refugium replace a protien skimmer? or something like that?

 

[crazyelece]

short answer - it takes crap out of the water before it has a chance to add to the waste cycle. The only time I would not run one is on a small tank where there isn't much water volume.

 

[Lynden]

Granular ferric oxide (GFO) and regularly pruned macroalgae refugiums can, in theory, replace a skimmer.

Skimmers aren't a necessity, but, like crazyelece said, are very helpful.

-Lynden

 

[SkiFletch]

Agreed, they are very useful. Protien skimmers removed dissolved organic proteins and other compounds that are hydrophobic.

 

[Lynden]

I didn't know inanimate objects could fear

-Lynden

 

[littleimp]

It skims the proteins

If you ever go to the seaside on a rough day you will see a brown scum on the surface. These are proteins produced from the chopped up sea. Protein works in the same way.

Protein skimmers pull out the most disgusting crap imaginable. If they didn't it would still be in the tank. Think about that!!