Skimmer

Skimmer: Skimming Filtration at the Heart of Modern Reefkeeping

The skimmer (protein skimmer) removes a portion of dissolved organic waste before it can transform into undesirable compounds. Its principle is based on the creation of a large air/water exchange: fine bubbles capture organic molecules on their surface, and the produced foam is then expelled into a collection cup. The finer and more numerous the bubbles, the more effective the export.

This technology originates from the industrial process known as foam fractionation, which has been scientifically studied since the 20th century and was popularized in marine aquaristics from the 1960s, with a marked rise when modern reefkeeping became widespread in the 1990s.

In practice, a well-sized skimmer improves water clarity, reduces organic load, and contributes to a more stable environment for corals, while limiting the accumulation of compounds that could feed algae.