Protein skimmers work by injecting fine bubbles into a contact column. Dissolved organic compounds are naturally attracted to the air-water interface — they cling to the bubble surface and ride upward into a collection cup as foam.

• Removes DOC before it becomes ammonia
• Reduces biofilter demand significantly
• Improves ORP and dissolved oxygen levels
• Ozone-compatible for enhanced oxidation

Contact time between the bubble and the water determines how much DOC can adsorb onto the bubble surface. Most skimmers quote dwell time based on gross chamber volume — ignoring the air that displaces the water. The real contact time is far shorter than claimed.

• Gross volume ≠ effective contact time
• Air displacement reduces real dwell by 30–50%
• Short dwell = poor DOC removal efficiency
• Verified dwell time = predictable performance

Conventional venturi skimmers are single-pass — water enters, contacts bubbles once, and exits. Recirculating designs loop the water through the contact chamber multiple times, dramatically increasing effective exposure without changing system turnover.

• Independent air and water control
• Tune foam without affecting system flow
• Multiple passes through bubble column
• Stable performance under variable load

SKM chamber volumes are calculated after accounting for air-water mixture displacement. The stated 2-minute dwell time is a physical reality, not a gross-volume estimation. Every model is mathematically calibrated to deliver verified contact time.

• Air displacement factored into all calculations
• 2-minute dwell guaranteed, not estimated
• Consistent performance across all flow rates
• From 7 LPM up to 510 LPM

Every SKM skimmer ships with a Biotech Aquatica Digital Timed Solenoid controlling two independent washdown circuits — freshwater for the collection cup and saltwater for the riser neck.

• Freshwater spray around collection cup neck
• Saltwater spray inside the riser neck
• Programmable ON/OFF cycles (0.01s–99hrs)
• Factory pre-set: 3-second burst every 30 min

Already running an SKM skimmer or upgrading an older unit? All SKM bodies feature dedicated ports and internal routing designed for aftermarket washdown integration — no drilling, no modifications.

• Pre-machined washdown ports on all models
• Standard 3/4" BSP threaded fittings
• Solenoid system plumbs straight in
• Freshwater and saltwater compatible

Marine-grade acrylic for visual inspection of the foam column, or polypropylene for ultimate chemical durability. Ozone-safe materials throughout with dedicated injection ports. Built to run continuously in harsh environments.

• UV-stable acrylic or polypropylene bodies
• Ozone-ready with dedicated injection port
• Custom sizes for constrained footprints
• Needlewheel or custom venturi drive options

Every SKM skimmer arrives ready for immediate installation. Reaction chamber, needlewheel drive pump(s), precision gate valve, all fittings, air silencer and tubing, auto-washdown head with solenoid, and instruction manual.

• SKM Reaction Chamber
• Needlewheel Drive Pump(s)
• Precision Gate Valve & Fittings
• Auto-Washdown Head with Digital Solenoid

A separate feed pump is required to supply water to the skimmer. Size your pump to match the "Flow @ 2-Min Dwell" rating for your chosen model to ensure correct hydraulic performance and verified contact time.

• Match pump to model's rated LPM
• Head pressure must be accounted for
• Contact BTA for pump sizing advice
• Custom engineering available for large systems