View Full Version : What are the benefits of surface disruption?
Whopper Stopper
05-10-2007, 6:32 PM
I just bought a cpr bak pak skimmer a week ago but was collecting a slick on the surface that was loaded with micro bubbles. Instead of buying a pre-skimmer i just got a little rio200 powerhead and attached a spray bar which disrupts the surface . I know this helps with oxygenation and reduces surface tension but are there any other added benifits? Im curious, would this disruption increase or decrease temperature exchange from my lights?
YoFishboy
05-10-2007, 10:55 PM
Any movement at any level will help general circulation. More agitation at the surface will enhance evaporation. Evaporation in general has a cooling affect.
Reefscape
05-11-2007, 1:31 AM
We need good surface agitation so they we can acheive some gas exchange on the surface..Also YFB noted above, good circulation is a must each little bit helps to contribute towards it..
Are you refering more to the ammount of evap occuring here though?
Niko
dorkfish
05-11-2007, 8:31 AM
Increased surface agitation means making YOUR skimmer more efficient, because instead of letting organics settle on the water surface, you keep it in the water column so it can make it into your pump... however, not having surface agitation (or limited agitation) and feeding your skimmer with a surface skimmer will work better, since you would be skimming water with a higher concentration of dissolved organics (the air-water surface attracts organics).
Whopper Stopper
05-12-2007, 7:46 PM
I decided to change to the pre skimmer from the spray bar. Thanks for the replies.
Germanman
05-15-2007, 4:58 PM
let us know if u see any differences