The Need For A Protein Skimmer?

Question

Im probrably going to buy a 125 gallon aquarium for my 16 inch arowana ino ino its not for permanant but 2 to 2 1/2 years but it includes a protien skimmer will i need a protien skimmer for arowana and what does it really do because i hasd a successful salltwater without a ps

Answer 1

It's neither necessary nor is it effective for a freshwater tank. The effectiveness of skimmers has to do with the size of the bubbles produced, since the dissolved protein in the water is attracted to the water/air interface. Smaller bubbles mean greater surface area where the material can attach, then the bubbles are forced upward into a collection cup. The advantage of skimmers over other filtration is that they remove material completely from the tank (it all goes into the collection cup). Therefore, small particles of wastes that may decompose and form ammonia or nitrites gets out of the water before having the chance to do so.

In freshwater, the bubbles produced aren't as small as can be produced in saltwater, so far less material gets removed. A better (and more cost-friendly) option is the use of a surface skimmer, which just removes the dissolved material from the surface of the water where most filters (hang-on or canisters) don't reach: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/215642/product.web These attach to an existing filter. The only disadvantage to these is that they don't completely remove the dissolved nitrogenous wastes, but they collect it and cause it to flow through your filter media where bacteria can break it down. So the material still stays in the tank where it will convert to nitrate.

Answer 2

Protein skimmers don't work in freshwater, so you won't need it for your arrowana.