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Fig. 3: Venturi pump AQ 750 with mesh wheel
1.
Motor housing
2.
O-rings
3.
Rubber bearing with washer
4.
Ceramic shaft
5.
Rotor with mesh wheel
6.
Air inlet fitting
7.
Cap for pump housing
8.
Filter basket
9.
4 rubber feet
10.
4 plugs for rubber feet
4.3. Theory
Protein skimming is a method of physical water treatment. It uses a phenomenon known from our
daily experience: the adhesion of surface active substances to air water layers. If we add a drop of
oil to a water surface, a thin film is produced with a thickness of only one molecule. Surface active
compounds like proteins behave in the same way. The Turboflotor Blue 500 uses its air bubbles to
create a large water surface for the waste substances to attach themselves to. These air bubbles
are forced into the reactor-pipe in a such a way that they undergo a long contact time within the
counter-current. Enriched with organic substances, they rise to the top and form a firm foam that
is dehydrated and pushed into the collection cup. This method removes organic wastes from the
aquarium water before they become part of the biological waste treatment cycle.
The venturi pump AQ 750 draws the water out of the aquarium or the filter chamber, mixes it with
air in the pump housing which is then cut into small air bubbles by the AB Aqua Medic mesh wheel
(5). This water/air mixture is then pumped into the reaction pipe where the organic substances are
taken up by air bubbles. Foam is formed and pushed into the foam cup. The purified water leaves
the skimmer via outlet and is directed back to the aquarium or filter sump by the drain gutter (5a).