hi i have just set up a protein skimmer in my tank (freshwater) to try and get some extra filtration and get the protein and oils from left over food etc out but the skimmer doesnt seem to be doing much how long does it take to start collecting the "dirt" and do they even work in freshwater tanks please help if you need any more info about set up please ask
protein filter for fresh water (piranhas)
- Thread starter gareth.wilson
- Start date
I have thought about trying this before, but some fishkeepers say that it does not work well in a freshwater setup. Although there was one guy that told me that it worked well for his tank. The problem seems to be that the protein skimmer works better in a saltwater setup because the water can be chopped into finer bubbles than freshwater. I guess if you could modify the pump so that it can produce smaller bubbles it might work in a freshwater setup. I would get a pieace of enkamat and put it on the propeller and see if it produces real tiny bubbles and see if it makes a difference. I might just set mine up and give it a try and see if it does or does not work. I still think that if a skimmer works for a salt water setup it can work for a freshwater setup too.
Btw, protein skimmers (depending on brand) can take anywhere between 1-2 weeks to "break in" and start pulling crap out of the water. In the mean time you will probably have to tweak the skimmer to get the skimmer at the proper water level in the mixing chamber and the collecting cup. Sometimes instead of skimming all the skimmer does is pull water to the collecting cup, like I said you will need to make constant adjustments to make sure you get it working right.
Btw, protein skimmers (depending on brand) can take anywhere between 1-2 weeks to "break in" and start pulling crap out of the water. In the mean time you will probably have to tweak the skimmer to get the skimmer at the proper water level in the mixing chamber and the collecting cup. Sometimes instead of skimming all the skimmer does is pull water to the collecting cup, like I said you will need to make constant adjustments to make sure you get it working right.
thanks for the idea i will leave it on through the night gotta go to work soon so ill see it when i get back if nothing seems to be happening i will try that thanks again for the help
I use a protein skimmer in my freshwater cichlid tanks. It may take time to adjust it right, and even then, it's not as obvious a in salt water, because the foam is less stiff.
above is mine, I collect in an open bottom bag, because the "dirt" flys all over as the bubbles burst.
The open bottom bag empties into a bucket, this is about 24hrs worth of sludge
This where the bubbles burst, you can see the build up.
above is mine, I collect in an open bottom bag, because the "dirt" flys all over as the bubbles burst.
The open bottom bag empties into a bucket, this is about 24hrs worth of sludge
This where the bubbles burst, you can see the build up.
Another shot, when it's really cranking, think something died that day, you can see how the sludge spatter has colored the PVC.
A here is a shot of the waste, compared to tank water.
I did tests in the lab comparing tank water to sludge after micron filtration and drying.
The sludge dry weight was approx 7 times the weight of filtered and dried tank water.
A here is a shot of the waste, compared to tank water.
I did tests in the lab comparing tank water to sludge after micron filtration and drying.
The sludge dry weight was approx 7 times the weight of filtered and dried tank water.
thats alot of sludge mine was quite a cheap skimmer so im hoping it works fine thanks for the help guys
Duanes, what is your nitrate level in the tank? When I used to run my skimmer in my SW setup, my nitrates would always stay at zero. I am curious to see if a skimmer can do the same in a FW setup. That would help reduce the water changes.
gareth.wilson;2858852; said:
What skimmer is it? With a little modification you can make a cheap skimmer into a great skimmer.
Mine is a DIY model from a pond section article in Aquarium Fish mag by Stephen Meyer.
The cost was less than $100, even with the clear PVC that was $20 a foot back in the early 90s. Been running it 24/7 ever since.
The cost was less than $100, even with the clear PVC that was $20 a foot back in the early 90s. Been running it 24/7 ever since.
I am telling you guys, there has got to be a way to use a skimmer more effectively in a FW setup, I think yours is working well Duanes. That would really cut down on water changes and all you would need to do is replenish some trace elements like calcium that cichlids need.