Specifications

Proper Protein Fractionator Adjustment
A protein skimmer (actually a protein fractionator) is not a 'plug and play' piece of equipment. It requires
close attention to achieve proper adjustment. This proper adjustment is critical to achieving the maximum
performance from the unit.
The fractionator is adjusted by creating back pressure at the discharge by throttling the discharge valve.
The gas intake and water inlet need to be set to their recommended flow rates. Throttling back the
discharge valve increases the back pressure and raises the foam level in the upper chamber. This is
basically a hydraulic balancing procedure. (Do not throttle water or air flow to and from the venturis to
control foam height. Venturi water valves should run in the open position. Venturi air intakes should be
adjusted to a 1” to 2” vacuum.)
The fractionator needs to be adjusted to a level that consistently produces an effluent the color of weak tea
or ginger ale. Lowering the foam level to the point where it only produces dry foam and a dark effluent
inhibits the removal of waste products. A new installation that has not had any fractionation for more
than a few days will require 2 to 7 days for the system to achieve a level of stable organic removal.
Protein fractionators remove compounds from the water by injecting fine bubbles into the water.
Organic compounds 'stick' to the surface tension of the water which includes the surface of the bubbles.
As the organic laden foam rises into the upper chamber it overflows into the collection area.
The discharge valve adjustment combined with the Bio-load (and certain additives) will affect the foam
level. If the foam level is set too low the protein fractionator will only remove a small amount of waste
even from very dirty water. Waste levels which are below this threshold remain in the water since the
protein fractionator is not adjusted to remove them. The result of this level of adjustment is a very dark,
concentrated waste extract from the protein fractionator. When this is occurring the aquarist has no way
of determining how efficient the protein fractionator is working other than by observing the color of the
water in the aquarium.
Adjusting the level too high creates a situation where the fractionator is removing a large amount of water
that has very little dissolved organics.
To properly adjust a protein fractionator takes at least several days of observation and adjustments. You
should allow a minimum of a half an hour between adjustments to allow the hydraulics to settle into
balance. There are a couple things to remember to achieve proper adjustment. The first is the protein
fractionator only removes waste to the threshold you have set. As it approaches this threshold it removes
less and less resulting in a concentrated extract. The other is that the extract should be roughly the color of
ginger ale or weak tea. If it is darker, the threshold is set too low.
To adjust the fractionator properly the following must be done:
1. Make sure the venturi and inlet flows are set to the recommended rates.
2. Adjust the protein fractionator by throttling the discharge valve so that the extract is about the color of
ginger ale or weak tea. Ideally you will produce a sudsy foam that is between the consistency of water
and shaving cream.
3. Let it run, even though it may run wet for a while. As it approaches the new threshold level for waste
extraction it will begin to slow down and the extract will become darker and more concentrated. When
this happens repeat step 1 and step 2.
3. When the point is reached that the protein fractionator does not slow down after a few days then it can
be assumed that the protein skimmer is properly adjusted. In the case of very dirty water this process may
take quite a number of adjustments and may take longer to slow down the first time. Keep the protein
fractionator adjusted so that the extract does not become dark.