Protein Skimmers

A protein skimmer or foam fractionator is a device used mostly in saltwater aquaria to remove organic compounds from the water before they break down into nitrogenous waste. It is a common piece of equipment in modern saltwater fish tanks and reef tanks. Protein skimming is the only form of filtration that physically removes organic compounds before they begin to decompose, lightening the load on the biological filter and improving the water's redox potential.

Skimming removes certain organic compounds, including proteins  and amino acids, by using the polarity of the protein itself. Due to their intrinsic charge, water-borne proteins are attracted to the air/water interface. A Protein skimmer work by injecting numerous tiny bubbles into the water column. The small bubbles present an enormous air/water interface for the protein molecules to cling to. The longer the bubble resides in the water, the more proteins it is able to attract. The action of a skimmer is often compared to the action of waves producing sea foam.