Freshwater Protein Skimmer--Anyone tried before?

Status
Not open for further replies.

GreenHephaestus

AC Members
Dec 30, 2005
29
0
0
39
I've heard that you only need a protein skimmer with saltwater aquariums. However I just got a hand-me-down protein skimmer for free, and I was wondering if it would help my freshwater tank last longer so I won't have to change my water as often (the water is very hard)?​

Anyone tried using a protein skimmer in a freshwater setup before?​
 
You can't use it with freshwater. The specific gravity of the water is too low for foam to be formed.


This is correct. It may work in an African cichlid tank (hard, semi salty water).
 
Not ready to give up yet

Hmm thanks for the insight...maybe I can turn modify it to serve as a CO2 reactor or diffuser.

Still though, I am wondering if I modify flow rate, bubble size or something if I can't work up enough bubble surface area to work on freshwater. I think I'll read around a bit more and see what can be done.
 
Good luck. Others have not had success, but as long as it's not costing you money to play around with, have at it :)
 
Freshwater protien skimming possible!

I found at least one successful account of a homemade a protein skimmers providing the same function in a FW system as it dose in a SW system: http://www.geocities.com/josh_shilling/skimming.html

His FW protein skimmer seemed to work in the end, however the functionality varied upon the events of feeding, water change, and bodily oils contaminating the water. This makes sense: when I get foamy beer from the an improperly tapped keg, I can pick up oils by wiping my finger across my forhead and then smoothing down the foam till I can drink the beer.

Prehaps by strictly maintaining water conditions I can use a protien skimmer to keep the water clean, do less water changes, and take a step towards a self sufficient aquarium. I am optomistic about the realisitic possibilities of freshwater protein skimmers at this point.
 
The African cichlid salts are different from marine salt, so I don't they would affect whether a skimmer's usefulness in FW.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
AquariaCentral.com