Technology

A Skimmer (known as a "Schiumatoio" in Italian and a "Protein Skimmer" in English) is a filter that removes dissolved organic substances from marine aquarium water through foam fractionation. A pump mixes water and air, generating millions of microbubbles that trap proteins, oils, food residues and other organic compounds, concentrating them in the collection cup. Ultra Reef has developed fully disassemblable curved- profile venturis, refined through more than 15 years of continuous evolution to mix large volumes of air and water, creating a dense and effective foam.

Performance

The skimmer is essential in marine aquariums because, by removing excess proteins before they decompose, it helps maintain the nitrogen cycle in balance, promoting low nitrate and phosphate levels—an essential condition for clean water and healthy animals. Ultra Reef protein skimmers are simple and precise to adjust. The extraction capacity is controlled by a knob that operates a screw gate valve. The outlet is designed with a diffusion system that eliminates turbulence in the outgoing flow, improving adjustment stability. Thanks to modern DC pumps with speed controllers, the extraction capacity can be adjusted precisely according to the needs of the aquarium, allowing effective removal of pollutants even in aquariums with a very low organic load.

Design

Two protein skimmers may appear similar, but the real difference lies in the details. The quality of a design is best appreciated during maintenance: when every component can be easily disassembled, every operation takes only a few seconds, and every detail has been designed to last over time. Ultra Reef has developed a quick- release system that allows the internal pump to be removed in less than 15 seconds, without the need for tools or loosening screws. During operation, noise is kept to a minimum thanks to a two-stage silencer, designed with two chambers that reduce the noise generated by the air intake. In addition, an automatic drain valve eliminates water accumulation inside the silencer, without requiring any intervention from the user.