Tunze DOC Protein Skimmers Information |
Marine aquarium inhabitants produce waste substances, the quantity depends on the livestock and the feeding. By means of an effective skimming system, organic waste matter, the so-called DOCs (Dissolved Organic Carbons), can be removed. To mention but a few, these are substances such as proteins, cellulose, dead cell substances from bacteria and algae. In high concentration they are harmful for any aquarium biotope. The DOC skimmer removes these compounds effectively from the water circuit, better than a bio-mechanical filter, which means that by removing proteins "before" bacterial decomposition, crystal-clear water is retained and a rise in nitrate and phosphate is reduced.
It can be observed that when air bubbles are produced proteins are absorbed immediately. In practice it can be observed that the absorbed matter is torn off the air bubbles again by skimmers with a tall reaction chamber. For this reason, all TUNZE DOC Skimmers have very short reactors with a high air throughput. |
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Principle
In the skimmer, TUNZE Hydrofoamer produces a large quantity of a mixture of 50% of water and 50% of fine air bubbles. Each air bubble has an active surface which bunds the electrically charged DOCs (Dissolved Organic Carbons). THe air water mixture is immediately transported into the middle reactor area, producing a dense foamy mass. The upper zone of the reactor is used to settle this foamy mass laden with protein, which is then removed into a special foam cup or into the foam extraction pipe. The purified water returns into the aqaurium without bubbles or into the filter. By means of a special nipple, ozone can be introduced into the system, thus improving the skimming process and at the same time removing any yellowing matter in the aquarium water. |
How do you select the right DOC skimmer for a marine aquarium?
COMLINE DOC Skimmer
The Comline DOC Skimmer with hydrofoamer has an open water circuit which can be controlled. Apart from the air output, the flow rate of the skimmer determines the output of the DOC skimmer. In addition, due to its biotope composition, every marine aquarium has a different sensitivity with respect to the organic load. Based on a standard marine aquarium with soft corals, the data on the suitable skimmer size may differ in other biotopes. For this reason, the aquarium volumes remommended for the skimmer should be reduced in case of sensitive biotopes.
Low Sensitivity
In soft coral aquariums with long-polyp corals and anemones, for example, the share in dissolved organic matter may be higher, sometimes it may even be vital. In this type of aquarium, the recommended aquarium volume can be used without deduction.
Medium Sensitivity
A medium organic stability is usually found in mixed aquaiums inhabited with soft and stone corals (LPS). Filter-feeding animals. sponges, et cetera, are found there frequently well. For these aquariums, a reduction of about 20% of the skimming capacity is calculated. A skimmer for 1000 liters (264 gallons) should thus be used for an aquarium about 800 liters (211 gallons) which has this kind of reef design.
High Sensitivity
Aquariums with primarily small-polyp stony corals (SPS) require an especially high degree of purity. They should have no load of phosphates or nitrates worth mentioning. Good oxygen saturation and very clear water are the pre-requisites. Comline DOC skimmer is also ofter used as a "stand-alone" solution in these aquariums. This type of aquarium should be reduced by about 40% in the volume of the skimmer volume mentioned.
High Sensitivity and High Load
Hard coral aquariums with a high population of fish require an extremely high skimming capacity. The skimmer has to ensure the degree of purity for the hard corals are at an above average high fish load. if the Comline DOC skimmer has to operate as a "stand-alone" solution here, a high-performance is required. This type of aquarium should be reduced by up to 60% in volume of the skimmer volume mentioned. |
Classic DOC Skimmer
These skimmers operate according to the horizontal rotation principle and are driven by the Hydrofoamer. The entire skimmer operates on the basis of the so-called contact skimming method. For this reason, coarser particles in the size of plankton are not drawn in. This method of operation is very gentle so that no living plankton is drawn into the pump circuit. The extremely flat construction makes it the smallest skimmer in its performance class.
Low Sensitivity
In soft coral aquariums with leather corals and anemones, for example, the share in dissolved organiz matter may be higher, sometimes it may even be vital. In this type of aquarium, the recommended aquarium volume can be used without deduction.
High Sensitivity
Aquariums with primarily small-polyp stony corals (SPS) require an especially high degree of purity. They should have no load of phosphates or nitrates worth mentioning. The Classic DOC skimmer should NOT be used as a "stand-alone" solution in these aquariums. This type of aquariums should be reduced by about 40% in volume of the skimmer volume mentioned.
High Sensitivity for breeding tanks with plankton
Stone coral aquariums or other breeding tanks with plankton food require an especially high degree of purity. Good oxygen saturation and very clear water are the prerequisites. This type of aquarium should be reduced by about 60% in volume of the skimmer volume mentioned. |
Nano DOC Skimmer
The 'Nano' model series has been designed for the use in reef biotopes up to 200 liters (52 gallons), and is gentle to the plankton in operation. Very little space is required in the aquarium, and its handling is very easy. On account of the high demands in stone coral aquariums, this skimmer should be used only in aquariums with about 100 liters (26 gallons) of water. Mixed aquariums or soft coral aquariums up to 200 liters (52 gallons) can be set up without any problems. |
Comline DOC Skimmer Operation |
| The model series of the Comline DOC skimmers have been developed for an effective and modern protein skimming process in marine biotopes from 200-2000 liters (52-528 gallons). They stand out for their sompact dimensions at the same time ensuring a high foam cup capacity, and producing a very high throughput on account of their air capacity of 650 or 1300 l/h (171 or 343 gal/h), for example, depending on the model. They can be placed directly in the aquarium or in cabinet systems with a variable water level. |
Comline DOC Skimmer 9010 in Cabinet Operation |
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