protein skimmer

[anemonefrenemy]

what is a protein skimmer? and what does it do for your tank?

Elijah

 

[mcgyvr]

A protein skimmer uses "bubbles" to capture/removes proteins before they have a chance to break down into ammonia,etc...

 

[Timfish]

I would suggest this list of research papers to get a better idea of GAC, TOC and skimmers.

Bacterial Counts in Reef Aquarium Water
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature

Granular Activated Carbon Pt 1
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/1/aafeature1

Granular Activated Carbon Pt 2
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/2/aafeature1

Total Organic Carbon Pt 1
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/8/aafeature3

Total Organic Carbon Pt 2
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature2

Protein Skimmer Performance, Pt 1
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/aafeature2

Protein Skimmer Performance, Pt 2
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature

Skimmate Analysis
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature

Another excellent book to get a better understanding of current research on the relationships between corals, algae and microbes is Forest Rohwer's Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas And don't think skimmers are essential here's my thread on my first skimmerless system started in '97