How do you size a protein skimmer?

Well-Known Member. I generally recommend skimmers based on the rated air intake capacity rather than the manufacturer specified tank size. Of course, you can always opt for more, but if matching the skimmer to the water volume of the tank I usually suggest about a 1:1 ratio of air draw to gallons of tank volume.

How do you measure skimmer size?

DETERMINING SKIMMER SIZE Size refers to the maximum diameter of the inlet. For example, a 4” Faircloth Skimmer® has a 4” maximum orifice size. Each Faircloth Skimmer® includes a plug and adjustable cutter for making an orifice (hole) smaller than the inlet to customize the flow rate for the particular basin.

How do I know if my protein skimmer is working correctly?

you will know its working when you get a dry-ish skim in the cup, it will be very dark and smell bad. that skimmer cup should take about 3 days to fill up with gunk. if its too wet your cup will fill up fast, thats not what you want, you want a foam of gunk going into that cup.

How high should the bubbles be in a protein skimmer?

The water at the very bottom will be clear with no bubbles in it. The water in the middle will have water with bubbles mixed into it and be white. Above those 2 a foam will form. You want the interface between the foam and the water with bubbles in it about at the bottom of the collection cup on your type of skimmer.

How big is a skimmer?

Standard Skimmer dimensions around the outside of the faceplate 7.47″w X 7.18″ h, inside dimensions are 6.15″w X 5.62″h. Wide-Mouth Skimmer features an extra-large opening for superb skimming action! Dimensions around the outside of the faceplate are 14 ¼” X 7 ¾”, inside dimensions are 11 1/2″ X 4 7/8″.

Will a protein skimmer help with algae?

Protein skimming definitely has a place in every reef tank; instead of spending days scrubbing algae off of rocks and corals, a skimmer may very well prevent algae in the first place. If you are on the fence about adding a protein skimmer to your tank, know it will be your most rewarding filtration device.