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How we rate our skimmers.

Euro-Reef was THE FIRST* manufacturer to publish realistic ratings for our protein skimmers and at Reef Dynamics we follow in that tradition and conviction. We offer both "Capacity" and "Ideal"" ratings for all of our products so that you can properly compare them against the other products.

CAPACITY: The INS100 is rated to filter up to 300 gallons of total system water volume when compared with other like sized products on the market.

IDEAL: The INS100 is ideal for "Mixed Reef" aquarium systems with a total capacity of +/- 100 gallons with a medium/average bio-load. A "Mixed Reef" system  is typically comprised of a mixture of soft corals, hard corals and a small fish population along with a few small crustaceans etc.  These systems typically put out less DOC's that the heavier stocked "Fish Only" Systems and have less restrictive requirements on water quality than "SPS" systems

IDEAL: The INS100 is ideal for "Fish Only" aquarium systems with a total capacity of +/- 80 gallons, especially those that do not use any live rock or sand, typically have a much higher bio-load when compared to the same sized Reef Aquarium and therefore require a far more powerful protein skimmer. The reason for this is that fish with a similar physical "biomass" to a given coral or colony of corals release substantially more waste that the coral, and this puts a greater amount of DOC's - specifically urine and fecal matter- into the water column.

IDEAL: The INS100 is ideal for  "SPS" aquarium systems with a total capacity of +/- 80 gallons with a heavy bio-load. "SPS" systems (aquaria with a focus on Small Polyped Stony corals) benefit from a high rate of organic extraction as it promotes and enhances coloration in corals by limiting the nutrients available to the symbiotic algae (Zooxanthellae) living within there tissue. In addition, a high rate of organic and particulate extraction increases the clarity of the water which in turn enhances the penetration of UV rays that stimulate the development of the corals colorful UV protective materials. Increased water clarity also optimizes the efficiency of the Zooxanthellae a thus decreases the number of the protozoa required to provide the coral with the food (glucose) it takes up in exchange for the CO2 produced by the coral through normal biological processes.

How to choose the right skimmer for your aquarium.

Choosing the right skimmer for your aquarium is all about understanding "Bio-Load". When a skimmer can handle the bio-load of the system, it will actually “idle” when the level of Dissolved Organic Compounds ( DOC’s) drops low enough to limit fractionation. i.e., there aren’t enough DOC’s to form a stable head of Foamate. When a skimmer cannot handle the bio-load, it will continuously be creating foamate and skimmate and never “idle”. This is a clear indication that the skimmer is undersized for the system and should be upgraded or modified to handle the existing bio-load. Most skimmer manufactures base their system rating or capacity on one simple premise: Economy While this rating system makes it look like you are getting more bang for your buck, in most cases it will do little to actually achieve the purpose of a protein skimmer! To get the most out of a skimmer and optimize your investment dollars, you must purchase a well engineered, properly rated protein skimmer. At Reef Dynamics, that's exactly what we do.

What is a Protein Skimmer and what does it do?

“Protein Skimming” or “Foam Fractionation” is a process of removing Dissolved Organic Compounds (DOC’s) from seawater by way of ionic attraction and adhesion. DOC’s are ionically attracted to the surface of the tiny bubbles created by the skimmer pump or airstone.

As the bubbles rise in the skimmers “Reaction Chamber”, their surface becomes coated with these DOC’s and when they reach the top of the skimmer, they condense in a frothy head called “Foamate”, much like the billows of foam you might find on the seashore after a storm. The foamate is pushed over the “Neck” of the skimmer where is falls down into the "Cup" and liquefies (like beer when it over-foams in a glass). This concentrated liquid is called “Skimmate” and is a collection of DOC’s, algae, miscellaneous floating particles, and water.

The removal of this DOC’s is critical in providing optimal water quality in closed marine aquarium systems. If the skimmer is correctly sized for the system, it will be able to remove most if not all of the DOC’s before they become oxidized by nitrifying bacteria. Since the job of these bacteria is to convert DOC's into Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate, subverting this process is ideal since the goal is to limit the accumulation of Nitrates and other toxins in the system.

Learn more HERE.

* (Circa 1996)

• Space Required For Skimmer: Fits in middle filter chamber and requires an "open" back.
• Total Height Required: 6-7" above aquarium top rim
• Ideal Water Level: Variable
• Reaction Chamber & Cup Diameter: 2.5"
• Reaction Chamber Volume: X Gallons
• Pump Inlet Size: 1/4" PVC
• Water Outlet Size: 1" PVC
• Pump (included): Modified EcoPlus 132 Water Pump
• Pump Consumption With Maximum Air Intake: 9 Watts @ 115/120 VAC 60hz
• Air Intake: 90-120 lph
• Water Flow Through: 60 gph+/ Depending On Air:Water Ratio

Details About Our Technology

The Bottom Line

All of these features converge to make the Reef Dynamics protein skimmers some of the most sought after products in the marine aquarium hobby, not only because of the Quality they offer or the Performance they provide, but because of the Value they represent. Those ideals when combined with first class Service makes the decision easy. When the time comes to invest in a protein skimmer…