What kinds of proteins do protein skimmers remove?
Protein skimmers can remove a wide range of proteins depending on their size and type. In general, larger proteins, proteins with hydrophobic appendages, and linear natured proteins (not coiled) will be removed easier. The efficiency of a skimmer will determine the rate and extent that a certain protein will be removed. Most coral and fish waste has potential to be removed by foam fractionation (skimming). What determines what kinds/sizes of proteins a skimmer will remove? Bubble contact time- The time which a bubble generated from a skimmer spends in contact with the water and proteins. The longer the time a protein spends in contact with a bubble, the more likely it will be adsorb to the surface of the bubble and removed. Salinity- Higher salinity can increase bubble production and therefore increase the amount of proteins removed. Skimmer Size- Larger skimmers generally have longer contact times and process more water leading to more efficient skimming. Water Chemistry- Certain chem
