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Operation Manual ENG
Protein skimmer for saltwater aquaria up to 400 l (100 gal)
The Aqua Medic
midiflotor
has been designed especially for aquaristic use and is recommended by professional
aquarists. The
midiflotor
removes efficiently, if applied correctly, organic metabolites and other waste products
from your aquarium water before they are treated in the biological filter. The water quality is improved.
1.
Working principle
The
midiflotor
is a small inside protein skimmer for aquaria up to 400 l volume. It is characterized by the double
reaction pipe that makes it a real counter-flow skimmer.
The air bubbles rise in the inner pipe. Like an air lift, they take a high volume of water with them. This water is
forced to flow downwards in the outer pipe. The air bubbles follow the water stream downwards until they reach
the expansion cone. At this point, the air bubbles turn and rise in the counter-current upwards. This ensures a
very high detention time of the bubbles in the water.
2.
Equipment
The
midiflotor
is supplied with a strong holding plate that allows a secure fastening of the skimmer at the wall
of the tank. The holding system allows to move the skimmer up and down and to adjust the foam building zone
correctly.
In addition, the holding plate leaves space for a redox electrode.
The
midiflotor
is delivered completely with an air stone. For starting, you only need an additional air pump.
3.
Theory
Protein skimming is a physical method of water treatment. It uses a common and well-known phenomen: the
adhesion of surface active substances to air – liquid layers. If you drop some oil on a water surface, it forms a
thin film, only as thick as one molecule. Surface active substances, e. g. proteins, behave similar. In the
midiflotor
, a huge water surface is created where the waste substances attach. If the bubbles reach the surface,
a stable foam is created where the organic wastes are accumulated and removed from the water.
To work effectively, the
midiflotor
needs a contact column where water and air can react. The air is injected
into the water with an air pump and an air stone.
4.
Dimensions
Total length, including foam cup: approx.
520 mm
Diameter of the reaction pipe:
75 mm
5.
Ozone
The effectiveness of the
midiflotor
can be increased by using ozone. Ozone oxydizes lots of organic compounds
that can be skimmed off then or metabolized by bacteria in the biological filter.
The size of the ozonizer depends on the size of the aquarium. Ideal is a combination of ozonizer and Redox
Potential Controller. With this, the amount of ozone is controlled automatically.
6.
Cleaning
The foam cup is not fixed on the reaction pipe. For cleaning, it can be easily removed. After removing the top,
the cup can be cleaned under running water.
From time to time, depending on the waste concentration, the reaction pipe can be cleaned, too.
