Protein skimming is the physical process
of removing suspended or dissolved organic waste and invisible particles from
aquarium water. This material consists of protein fragments and other waste,
produced by the living organisms in the marine aquarium. Since these are
potentially harmful to the aquarium inhabitants, rapid removal is essential.
Protein Skimming also reduces the amount of floating bacteria, limits nitrate
and phosphate build up, and prevents the development of slime algae. The
advantage of Protein Skimming is the waste material is continuously removed,
separating it from the water flow. It is then collected into a foam cup, where
it is no longer in contact with the aquarium water. The Berlin Skimmer has the
ability to concentrate and remove even the smallest amounts of waste material.
The efficient concentration produces highly concentrate waste without
unnecessary loss of seawater.
The Berlin Classic Hang-on Skimmer extracts dissolved organic waste by foam
fractionation. The included Berlin Aquarium Water Pump pushes the water in the
Tangential Water Inlet that causes turbulent flow and a swirling motion that
increases the mixing action of the water and air bubbles. The traditional
venturi air injector allows the Berlin to be run from an external pump or
submersed pump. This venturi produces a continuous stream of fine air bubbles
mixed in the water flow. The air enters at the bottom of the skimmer chamber and
causes a powerful rotation of the Air/Water mixture that causes turbulent water
and a separation of protein rich foam at the water surface. The protein rich
foam is pushed up into the collection cup. The bubbles are transported down the
middle tube and rise up again, against the downward water flow. This creates the
skimmer's triple-pass. The Triple Air Pass increases the contact time between
the air bubbles and water, due to the “Air Return Skirt.” The third pass works
according to the “counter current principle”. On their way up, the air bubbles
collect more waste materials, since they constantly bump into downward moving
bubbles.
The collection cup and inner tubes are removable for easy cleaning and
maintenance. The ozone resistant parts and the air return skirt ensures that no
air bubbles return to the aquarium. This prevents ozone from passing from the
reaction chamber to the atmosphere. The skimmer can be used in a classic or
hang-on configuration. It is for aquariums up to 250 gallons.
Instructions:
To ensure a high skimming efficiency the following maintenance should be carried
out every 2 weeks.
The collection cup, especially the part through which the foam rises should be
cleaned, since settling organic matter prevents new foam from rising into the
cup.
The upper black part of the middle tube should be cleaned from the settling
organic matter. The middle tube can be removed, however it will also suffice to
wipe the black part while in place.
The impeller and impeller housing of the pump should be cleaned to avoid
clogging and loss of water pressure.
The air pipe and venturi should be thoroughly cleaned every two months.
Specifications:
The Berlin Aquarium Water Pump is included with this skimmer. It has a 6' power
cord and uses 50 watts of power.
Size:
Skimmer: 6" square x 23" high
Pump: 6 ¼" long x 3 ¼" wide x 4 1/2" high
