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Category: Filtration

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Reverse osmosis (RO) and deionization (DI) are two methods commonly used in the preparation of freshwater for use in a marine aquarium.

Reverse osmosis is a process that involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which allows water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as dissolved salts, minerals, and other contaminants. The result is purified water that is free of impurities, including harmful chemicals that could be detrimental to marine life.

Deionization is a process that uses ion exchange resins to remove dissolved minerals and other charged particles from water. This process involves passing water through a column filled with ion exchange resins, which attract and bind to positively or negatively charged ions in the water. The result is water that is highly purified and free of dissolved salts and other minerals.

When preparing water for a marine aquarium, both RO and DI are typically used together in a two-stage filtration process. The first stage involves the use of an RO unit to remove large impurities, while the second stage uses a DI unit to remove any remaining dissolved minerals and other contaminants. The resulting water is typically very pure and ideal for use in a marine aquarium.

It's worth noting that while using RO/DI water is great for a marine aquarium, it lacks essential minerals and elements necessary for marine life. Therefore, it's necessary to add a specialized salt mix containing essential trace elements to the purified water to provide the necessary minerals and nutrients for marine organisms to thrive.

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Marine aquarium protein skimmers, also known as foam fractionators, are devices used to remove organic waste from the water in a marine aquarium. They work by creating a column of water through which aquarium water is passed, causing organic molecules and other waste to stick to the surface of rising air bubbles. The bubbles then rise to the top of the column and are collected in a collection cup, where the waste is removed from the aquarium.

Protein skimmers are especially useful in saltwater aquariums, where the waste produced by fish and invertebrates can quickly accumulate and cause a variety of problems, including poor water quality, algae growth, and decreased oxygen levels. They are often considered essential equipment for maintaining a healthy and stable marine aquarium.

There are many different types of protein skimmers available, ranging from simple hang-on-back models to more complex, in-sump or external models. The effectiveness of a protein skimmer depends on a number of factors, including the size of the aquarium, the number of fish and other inhabitants, and the types of food being fed to the animals in the tank.

In addition to their effectiveness at removing organic waste, protein skimmers can also help to increase the dissolved oxygen levels in an aquarium, which can be especially beneficial for sensitive or delicate marine animals.

Overall, a high-quality protein skimmer is an important investment for anyone who wants to maintain a thriving and healthy saltwater aquarium.