Protein skimmer and surface skimmer

[yuji]

If i'm using a protein skimmer already, do i still need to use a surface skimmer? What is the function of a surface skimmer?

[mUAr_cHEe]

a surface skimmer is totally different frma protein skimmer....

a protein skimmer skims the so called waste of the fishes out of the water....

whereas a surface skimmer skims the floating dirt/waste/detritus of the water...

[JustinK]

Surface skimmer removes all the murky oily stuff you have on the surface of your water. If you are using an Overflow system, you wouldn't need it. If not, the surface skimmer will help to keep your water surface clear, thus aiding in gaseous exchange.

[blueheaven]

in short, if you have a counter current skimmer or overflow, that surface skimming

a protein skimmer is a term for the standalone unit

[yuji]

ok. i'm only using a canister, no sump. so i guess there's no overflow.

i am using a protein skimmer. i guess it would be good to add on a surface skimmer to keep the surface clean and clear?

[JustinK]

Yes, unless you wanna scoop murky water out every few days from your water surface.