Eshopps Skim Buddy is a Convenient Skimmer Reservoir

The Skim Buddy by Eshopps is a low-tech way to extend the servicing time of your protein skimmer. This acrylic reservoir conveniently hangs on the side of your sump or aquarium placing it within close range of your protein skimmer…

The Ocean’s Protein Skimmer Is Overflowing In Australia!

Anytime someone is first introduced to the concept of a protein skimmer for cleaning saltwater aquarium water, we invariably use the example of beach foam that is sometimes seen on beaches. Well this week that example got kicked into overdrive…

An Introduction to Protein Skimming

A protein skimmer is a device designed to clean the water in a reef aquarium by removing dissolved organic compounds. Put even more simply, it is a controlled overflow of dirty water. Imagine a chamber that vigorously mixes air and…

Salty Confessions: Procrastination Never Pays in Reefkeeping!

Regular SWS readers know that CC and I always emphasize the importance of staying on top of routine maintenance chores so small problems don’t develop into big ones. Great advice for a hobby in which only bad things happen quickly,…

Helpful Protein Skimmer troubleshooting tips for newbies and vets alike

A protein skimmer is an essential piece of equipment in aquarium keeping. It is often the heart of the tank that oxygenates the water. Because it is a crucial piece of our system, you need to make sure it is working properly.…

What a Difference a (Good) Protein Skimmer Makes!

Here at Saltwater Smarts, we’re not, generally speaking, in the business of writing product reviews. But when we have positive personal experiences with products that we think can make your life easier—and are available at a reasonable cost—we want to…

6 Reasons for Poor Protein Skimmer Foam Production

A properly sized protein skimmer is key to the success of any marine aquarium system—provided it’s actually doing the job it’s intended to do, that is. Sometimes protein skimmers just keep right on skimming with little or no foam and…

Reef Octopus waste collector and delayed timer help prevent skimmer overflows

Usually when a protein skimmer overflows, the cause is due to some easily preventable circumstances. Apparently, CoralVue loathes the spillage of that nasty funk that comes out of protein skimmers as much as we do, and they’re bringing a one-two…

Protein Skimming: Bubble Your Way to Better Water Quality

Saltwater aquarium hobbyists today have a dizzying array of devices, doodads, and doohickeys at their disposal for improving water quality and maintaining appropriate water parameters. Some of these items are essential for aquarium success, while others might be more appropriately…

Bubble King waste collector are Royal Exclusiv’s take on skimmate lockers

The Bubble King waste collector was just unveiled by Royal Exclusiv. Protein skimmer waste collectors, or “lockers” as Avast Marine likes to call them, are already specialty products. After all, any container that holds liquids could basically perform the same…