A protein skimmer or foam fractionator is a device used mostly in saltwater aquaria to remove organic compounds from the water before they break down into
nitrogenous waste. It is a common piece of equipment in modern
saltwater fish tanks and reef tanks.
Protein skimming is the only form of filtration that physically removes
organic compounds before they begin to decompose, lightening the load
on the biological filter and improving the water's redox potential.
Skimming removes certain organic compounds, including proteins and amino acids, by using the polarity
of the protein itself. Due to their intrinsic charge, water-borne
proteins are attracted to the air/water interface. A Protein skimmer
work by injecting numerous tiny bubbles into the water column. The
small bubbles present an enormous air/water interface for the protein
molecules to cling to. The longer the bubble resides in the water, the
more proteins it is able to attract. The action of a skimmer is
often compared to the action of waves producing sea foam.
