A Protein Skimmer is a very important tool in reducing the amount of dissolved organic material in the aquarium water. This material consists of protein fragments and other waste, which assemble at air/water surfaces. Protein skimming (also called foam fractionation) can be considered as a form of mechanical filtration, since it is a physical process of removing substances from water, without any chemical or biological action. While a mechanical or pre-filter removes particles, a Protein Skimmer removes suspended or dissolved organic waste and invisible particles from the aquarium water. The advantage of Protein Skimming lies however in the fact that waste material is continuously removed, separating it from the water flow. Efficient removal of dissolved waste helps to reduce the amount of harmful floating bacteria, reduce the yellow discoloration of your aquarium water, limit nitrate and phosphate build up, and prevent the development of slime algae.