Tank Gadget The Home of the Aquarist Geek

Last summer at Interzoo Tunze released a series of new hardware. One of which was the Master DOC Skimmers.

This skimmer uses the TUNZE Hydrofoamer Silence 9420.04 pump to produce maximum bubbles in a denser water/bubbles ratio. The pump is designed specifically for skimmers and produces 850 l/h (224.5 USgal./h) air output.
The unit also has a connector for ozone which improves the process as well as removing the yellow out of the water.

What makes this skimmer special, besides the fact that it needs NO adjustments to make it work is the newly developed Anti-overfoaming system.

Direct from the website:

The advantages of the “anti-overfoaming system”

The patented “anti-overfoaming system” prevents overfoaming of the skimmer, which occurs, for example, in the following situations:
Organic load caused by dead animal and plant residue or living stones in a newly set-up aquarium.
Increase of the water level in the filter tank.
Use of chemicals, corals, et cetera.

The system works by bringing the tank water into an intermediate chamber,and if the foam production increases, and the water level rises, the chamber has outlets to release water to reverse the overflow. If the unit continues to overflow the water then reaches the pump air tube (connected to the intermediate chamber) where it flows into the pump stopping the production of bubbles (and thus foam) allowing you to determine the source of the problem before returning the pump to normal operation.

The process seems fool-proof and the unit looks good.

The new tech does not come without it’s price. The 9420 has list prices around the $800 US range and the 9480 clocking in over $2000 US.

Have you had the chance to use one? What are your thoughts?

Stay tuned for more Tunze product info!

This article has a great overview of why one should use a protien skimmer. I know first hand that the use of a skimmer is important. Mine has been on the fritz for a while and since then my algae growth has boomed. Algae loves my tank right now.
Read on for why YOU need one!

Everything you need to know about Protein Skimmer

Aquarium fish keeping has always been considered an very pleasant and rewarding hobby. This delightful and fascinating activity is becoming increasingly popular among the American youth. If you like to keep fish as pets, then learning to maintain your fish tank or pond is of absolute importance for the health and happiness of your fish. Using a protein skimmer is one aspect of pond upkeep that must never be ignored.

A protein skimmer is a filtration device that removes undesirable proteins and other organic residue present in the water before they start decomposing to become harmful and toxic nitrogenous waste like ammonia and nitrite. Skimmers are relatively simple in design – it comprises of a glass chamber to store a column of water, a bubble generator and a waste collection compartment.

Why Use a Protein Skimmer?

When a skimmer is installed, streams of bubbles from a bubble generator are injected into the water column to create a huge water/air interface. This interface draws in most of the undesirable organic molecules because of their hydrophobic water-repelling nature. This accumulation of organic waste continues till the water/air interface gets saturated and foam formation starts. The foam carries the gathered waste to the top of the water column, where it gets transferred into a waste collection cup and removed by emptying the cup. Therefore, a protein skimmer is also known as a foam filtrator.

What a Protein Skimmer Does

Other than getting rid of organic wastes and residue from the water, a protein skimmer also does the following:

• Remove some inorganic impurities like phosphates.
• Remove any toxins released by corals or invertebrates present in the aquarium.
• Ease the burden on the biological filter.
• Restricts algae build-up and removes bacteria.
• Increases the oxygen level in the water.

However, it may also remove natural food sources like plankton and trace elements like iodine, which are required for reef aquariums.

How to Use a Protein Skimmer?

Positioning is the one of primary considerations while using a protein skimmer. For optimum efficiency, it should be the first device in the filtration system. It can be placed inside the pond if there is enough room or outsidethe pond. Remember, for your protein skimmer to work efficiently, you need to clean it from time to time – the larger the collection cup, less frequent the cleaning. A tiny collection cup may require emptying on a daily basis.

How to Select a Good Protein Skimmer?

Firstly, you must decide on its placement. Secondly, think about how much time you are willing to put in on its upkeep. Most importantly, how much money you are willing to put in and whether you want any accessories like an ozonizer. Protein skimmers are available in a wide range of designs, sizes and prices – the more costly ones require less upkeep and are easier to install. Whatever the case, try to buy a protein skimmer with a huge collection cup. Also remember, the stronger the bubble generator, the more efficient is the protein skimmer.

John Roberts is the webmaster of PondCreation101.com. Visit his site for more free tips on how to create your very own pond in your garden.

By John Roberts

Published: 4/17/2008

via Buzzle.com.