protein skimmer

crete456 · 06-20-2006, 12:54 PM

hello all!...ive just placed a cpr2 bak pak in my 37 gal. saltwater tank...i have a few questions...does a protein skimmer remove phosphates and nitrates...if not whats the best way to remove these from my tank...also does it remove copper from the water?..thanks

WillieM96 · 06-20-2006, 02:41 PM

From what I understand (and I may very well be wrong) a skimmer will only remove organic molecules that can later convert into natrates but does not remove the nitrates themself. Phosphates I don't know about. I'm pretty certain that it does not remove carbon.

WillieM96 · 06-20-2006, 02:42 PM

sorry...that should read "does not remove copper" not carbon.

**Poseidon** · 06-20-2006, 03:25 PM

I would say a skimmer PREVENTS nitrates, rather then it removes them. No on the phosphate, and NO on the copper, those 2 you either have to prevent them from being added or find other means for removal. (rowaphos, and to some extent Cuprasorb)

Freddy Twotimes · 06-20-2006, 05:39 PM

As far as the copper and Phosphates are concerned there is a treated pad called a Poly filter. It turns color when it removes metals from the water and it does a great job of removing Phosphates. I have never had a problem with metals in my tanks but the Poly filter removed the Phosphates extreamly well.

In fact, I cut the filter pad in half and it lowered the Phosphate level about 1.5 ppm in my tank in 24 hours of putting it in.

oktober7609 · 06-20-2006, 08:00 PM

Water changes.

Water changes can correct all things evil as far as water quality goes.

This will make your tests look better, but eventually you need to put on your detective hat, and figure out what is making the bad substance to begin with...

Too high of a bio-load will throw off your nitrates and/or phosphates- so will overfeeding, etc....

-oktober7609

Steven Pro · 06-21-2006, 07:34 AM

See here for an analysis of the surprising number and variety of things that skimmers can remove including phosphorous, copper, calcium, aluminum, iodine, and iron amongst others,
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

WillieM96 · 06-21-2006, 08:14 AM

Wow...good stuff. Thanks for the info Steven.

06-20-2006, 12:54 PM	#1
crete456 Just Moved In Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Galloway, New Jersey Posts: 33	protein skimmer hello all!...ive just placed a cpr2 bak pak in my 37 gal. saltwater tank...i have a few questions...does a protein skimmer remove phosphates and nitrates...if not whats the best way to remove these from my tank...also does it remove copper from the water?..thanks

06-20-2006, 03:25 PM	#4
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,166	I would say a skimmer PREVENTS nitrates, rather then it removes them. No on the phosphate, and NO on the copper, those 2 you either have to prevent them from being added or find other means for removal. (rowaphos, and to some extent Cuprasorb) __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Do i need my protein skimmer??	dave00gt	Saltwater (Fish-Only) Aquariums	4	12-04-2005 08:14 PM
getting protein skimmer and other ?s	GoinSalt	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	3	01-06-2005 02:49 AM
protein skimmer	Reefer769	Saltwater (Fish-Only) Aquariums	4	02-06-2004 07:26 AM
protein skimmer	Reefer769	Saltwater (Fish-Only) Aquariums	4	02-05-2004 10:36 PM
Protein Skimmer	MasterBlaster	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	4	07-06-2003 12:41 PM

06-20-2006, 02:41 PM	#2
WillieM96 Tenant Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 93	From what I understand (and I may very well be wrong) a skimmer will only remove organic molecules that can later convert into natrates but does not remove the nitrates themself. Phosphates I don't know about. I'm pretty certain that it does not remove carbon.

06-20-2006, 02:42 PM	#3
WillieM96 Tenant Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 93	sorry...that should read "does not remove copper" not carbon.

06-20-2006, 05:39 PM	#5
Freddy Twotimes Citizen Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 108	As far as the copper and Phosphates are concerned there is a treated pad called a Poly filter. It turns color when it removes metals from the water and it does a great job of removing Phosphates. I have never had a problem with metals in my tanks but the Poly filter removed the Phosphates extreamly well. In fact, I cut the filter pad in half and it lowered the Phosphate level about 1.5 ppm in my tank in 24 hours of putting it in.

06-20-2006, 08:00 PM	#6
oktober7609 Just Moved In Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 23	Water changes. Water changes can correct all things evil as far as water quality goes. This will make your tests look better, but eventually you need to put on your detective hat, and figure out what is making the bad substance to begin with... Too high of a bio-load will throw off your nitrates and/or phosphates- so will overfeeding, etc.... -oktober7609

06-21-2006, 07:34 AM	#7
Steven Pro Mayor Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 672	See here for an analysis of the surprising number and variety of things that skimmers can remove including phosphorous, copper, calcium, aluminum, iodine, and iron amongst others, http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

06-21-2006, 08:14 AM	#8
WillieM96 Tenant Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 93	Wow...good stuff. Thanks for the info Steven.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)