Protein skimmers

[HPW]

Hi
I am planning to build a new Koi pond for myself and I am thinking of adding a protein skimmer to the pond.
However, I don’t see lots of discussion regarding protein skimmers and their pro’s and cons.
Does anybody have any experience with them, are they not necessary or are they good to have.

Thanks.


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[Artemis]

Here's one: https://www.koiphen.com/forums/showt...-1300-1500-gph
In addition to searching for the idiosyncratic spelling, also search for 'foam fractionator'. I'm assuming you've already searched for 'protein skimmer'?

This photo is it in a nutshell: https://www.koiphen.com/forums/attac...1&d=1596254436

IIRC no one has installed one and regretted it - they produce a bunch of foam at first and then it levels out. Removing DOCs (dissolved organic compounds) from your koi pond is always a good thing, especially if it requires little to no maintenance to keep working after you build it.

I'm planning to install one but I'm still in the process of building my pond; it will be a "later, once I get everything working and the koi I'm rescuing are okay" project.

[aquaholic]

I'd really appreciate any updates including success or failures.

For me, the height needed above the water level is an issue as my water level is already 2m above ground. I've not had success in freshwater aquariums when I tried years ago, even with water pump generated micro bubbles. Introducing a counter current design where air goes against the water flow direction would hugely boost efficiency but if the design in photo has been successfully tested then go with that.

I'm going to solve my organic load with an ozone solution later down the track but I'm still very interested in this and hope it's successful.

[coolwon]

Go to the advanced search box at the top of the page add "protein skimmer"

Try ETHAN's foam phraxtionator

[joe09]

Go to the advanced search box at the top of the page add "protein skimmer"

Try ETHAN's foam phraxtionator

i built the
foam phraxtionator and put a seprate pump at the base of my water fall.it works great.i collect the foam in a 5 gal bucket it was black.you dont have to run the pump all the time

[hacnp]

I put a phoam fractionator after my home made bakki/shower filter and it is great. The shower filter generates the Phoam because The water is coming from my skimmer. A simple y fitting before the return catches a lot of that foam. I used a sliced milk jug to make a scraper at the y (set at the top of the water flow) to direct the foam up and out. Takes a little fiddling with to find the right position but well worth it. The shower filter in my setup flows about 4 to 5 k per hour, returning to the pond as a mid water return. Angled with a fernco 90 and choked down to 2" it also provides good circulation. System volume is about 12.5 K. Best of luck with your Koi keeping!!!