Will a protein skimmer work in freshwater?

[Delapool]

I'm assuming that I've got more chance of the saltwater tank keepers having looked at this. I understand that saltwater produces finer bubbles (I think?), which is better for skimmers but I'm wondering if a protein skimmer doesn't work in freshwater or only partially? Just wondering why they are so effective in saltwater?

 

[54seaweed]

I don't see why it wouldn't , the only thing that is different is saltwater is a little lighter due to all the salt , it's not the weight of the water itself but the density of the water . but I don't think that would be a big issue . I can see it pulling the plant matter crud from the water ,

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f100/skimmer-for-freshwater-129987.html

 

[agfish12]

Short answer. No. A skimmer works on water surface tension and freshwater has much lower tension.look at the difference between airstone bubbles on fresh vs saltwater. Saltwater bubbles are much much tinier and take longer to surface. Protein skimmer works on these micro bubbles(foam fractionation) by picking up the proteins as they move through the water column. Unless you have a huge amount of dissolved organics it won't work effectively enough as it does in marine applications.


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[agfish12]

Use a surface skimmer if you want to remove the oil film


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[Delapool]

Hi, thanks for the links and information - learnt something new