What's the difference between a "protein skimmer" and a "surface skimmer"???

angelfishgirl

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 29, 2014
Messages
60
Reaction score
2
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I'm trying to set up a salt water tank, and I've got TONS of questions, but I have a 40 gallon tank, so I know I need a skimmer, but I find thing that say "surface skimmer" is that also a protein skimmer???
 

BODI

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 8, 2014
Messages
162
Reaction score
6
Location
NorCal 95667
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
A "surface skimmer" is a device that helps to remove build up that may accumulate on the surface of the aquarium water. It is not the same as a protein skimmer.

Is your aquarium "reef ready" with a built-in internal overflow? If yes, the internal overflow would act as your "surface skimmer" and you would hook it up to a sump, and then install a protein skimmer in the sump.
If it is not a drilled aquarium, you would need to select a protein skimmer that can hang from the back of the aquarium, or one that can be installed directly into the aquarium.
 

mike007

5000 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Jan 26, 2013
Messages
7,217
Reaction score
400
Location
WEST TEXAS
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Are you using a sump? If so the water will go to the sump where your skimmer should be. Some hang on the back skimmers have a overflow box which would be your surface skimmer. With a sump your overflow will pull water from top of tank which basically works the same.
 
OP
OP
A

angelfishgirl

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 29, 2014
Messages
60
Reaction score
2
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Bodi, it's not reed ready, it's not even cycling yet, I'm trying to get all of my information before I set up my tank. And mike 007 no, I'm not using one
 

BODI

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 8, 2014
Messages
162
Reaction score
6
Location
NorCal 95667
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
"Reef Ready" is just a term used to describe a aquarium that is drilled for bulkhead fittings and a overflow of some sort that is intended to be plumbed into a sump.

If your aquarium is a standard undrilled aquarium you basically have a couple options. #1 is to have it drilled to accept bulkheads for plumbing a overflow to a sump.#2 is to choose between either a internal style, or a hang-on-back style protein skimmer.
 

BODI

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 8, 2014
Messages
162
Reaction score
6
Location
NorCal 95667
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
A 3rd option I didn't mention is the use of a Hang-on style external overflow box which can be installed without drilling holes in the aquarium, and it would also allow you to plumb the display to a sump. Do your research before choosing this method, there are many who would not trust this design for fear of flooding hazard.
 
OP
OP
A

angelfishgirl

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 29, 2014
Messages
60
Reaction score
2
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Thanks haha I'm pretty new to this then no, it's not, I'm looking for a hangover one and that's when I found the surface skimmer. Is it alright if I bother you when I have a question?? Don't be afraid to say no it wot hurt my feelings lol, I have a lot of questions
 

BODI

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 8, 2014
Messages
162
Reaction score
6
Location
NorCal 95667
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Don't be afraid to ask questions! ... there are plenty of helpful members happy to advise you.
 

vlangel

Seahorse whisperer
View Badges
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Messages
5,489
Reaction score
5,371
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
A 3rd option I didn't mention is the use of a Hang-on style external overflow box which can be installed without drilling holes in the aquarium, and it would also allow you to plumb the display to a sump. Do your research before choosing this method, there are many who would not trust this design for fear of flooding hazard.

I know a lot of folks are afraid of HOB overflow boxes but both my tanks have one and I find it works great. I wouldn't hesitate to use one should you want to use a sump later on.
 
Back
Top