chuin Posted March 27, 2004 Share Posted March 27, 2004 Does anyone have an experience or opinion on the usefulness of protein skimmers for cichlids? The 'Berlin system' for filtration for reef tanks relies heavily on skimmers and it got me wondering about their application in cichlid tanks. Does anyone use them or are they an expensive decoration? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiona Posted March 27, 2004 Share Posted March 27, 2004 They don't work in fresh water, there is a technical/water chemistry reason, have read it but can't remember it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaticmalamute Posted March 27, 2004 Share Posted March 27, 2004 I second Fiona, without saltwater they are useless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colfish Posted March 28, 2004 Share Posted March 28, 2004 hi chuin with a berlin type skimmer,yes, a very exspensive tank ornament,f/water will not foam up with the application of air as saltwater will. it is the foaming action that collects the protien and flows over into the waste cup. a very short reply, but none the less a very technical pro's and con's subject in marine circles regards colfish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuin Posted March 30, 2004 Author Share Posted March 30, 2004 thanks for info - much appreciated peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searlesy Posted March 31, 2004 Share Posted March 31, 2004 A protein skimmer will work in freshwater, but you need a huge reaction chamber, and an enormous amout of air. I have run one before on a small scale aquaculture setup, with a large blower and a 6 foot reactor on a 5000 litre tank. The bubbles in fresh water are too large because of the surface tension difference between the salt and fresh water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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