ASM G-2 Protein Skimmer: Crystal Clear Water for a Thriving Reef Tank

Maintaining pristine water quality is crucial for a thriving reef tank. Organic waste from fish, corals, and invertebrates can quickly accumulate, leading to cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and even harmful algae blooms. A protein skimmer is an essential piece of equipment for any serious reef aquarist, acting as the first line of defense against these unwanted byproducts. The ASM G-2 Protein Skimmer, with its efficient design and powerful Sedra pump, offers a reliable solution for keeping your reef tank sparkling clean.

Overview

The ASM G-2 is a high-performance protein skimmer designed for saltwater aquariums up to 200 gallons. It utilizes a patented needle wheel technology to generate a dense cloud of microbubbles that effectively trap organic waste before it breaks down and pollutes the water. This efficient removal of dissolved organic compounds helps maintain optimal water parameters, promoting coral growth and overall reef health.

Design Philosophy - Efficiency and Simplicity

ASM G Series skimmers are built with a focus on efficiency and simplicity. They are crafted from high-quality, scratch-resistant extruded PVC tubing and injection-molded acrylic, ensuring durability and longevity. The straightforward design makes them easy to install and operate, even for novice reef keepers.

Needle Wheel Technology - Maximizing Contact Time

The heart of the ASM G-2 is its patented needle wheel impeller. This specialized impeller chops the incoming water into a fine mist, creating a vast surface area for microbubbles to form. These microbubbles attract and trap organic waste compounds, which are then carried to the collection cup for easy removal. The needle wheel design ensures maximum contact time between the water and air, resulting in highly efficient protein skimming.

Technical Deep Dive: The effectiveness of needle wheel impellers lies in their ability to generate a high density of microbubbles with a small diameter. These microbubbles have a larger surface area to volume ratio compared to larger bubbles, maximizing the contact area for organic waste adsorption. The rapid rotation of the needle wheel creates a turbulent flow, further enhancing the mixing of air and water and promoting efficient skimming.

Addressing User Feedback: Some users have reported initial difficulties in achieving optimal foam production. This is often due to incorrect water level adjustment or air intake restrictions. Ensuring the water level is correctly set and the air intake is clear will help maximize foam production and skimming efficiency.

Sedra 3500 Pump - Powerful and Reliable

The ASM G-2 is equipped with a powerful Sedra 3500 pump, renowned for its reliability and high airflow. This pump provides the necessary force to drive the needle wheel impeller and generate the dense foam required for efficient protein skimming. The Sedra pump’s robust construction ensures consistent performance and long-term durability.

Why Sedra Pumps? Sedra pumps are a popular choice for protein skimmers due to their high performance and energy efficiency. They are designed to operate continuously, providing a consistent flow of air and water to the skimmer. The 3500 model is specifically chosen for the G-2 due to its flow rate and pressure capabilities, which are optimally matched to the skimmer’s design.

Maintenance Tip: Regular maintenance of the Sedra pump is essential to ensure its longevity. This includes cleaning the impeller and volute to prevent clogging and ensuring proper water flow.

Adjustable Outlet Pipe - Precise Control

The ASM G-2 features a fully adjustable outlet pipe, allowing for precise control over the skimmer’s performance. By simply raising or lowering the pipe, you can fine-tune the water level within the skimmer body and optimize the foam consistency. This easy adjustment ensures efficient skimming across a range of water conditions and stocking levels.

Understanding Water Level Adjustment: The water level within the skimmer body directly influences the consistency of the foam and the efficiency of waste removal. A higher water level produces wetter foam, while a lower water level produces drier foam. Adjusting the outlet pipe allows you to fine-tune the water level to achieve the ideal foam consistency for your specific aquarium conditions.

User Tip: It’s recommended to start with a higher water level and gradually lower it until you achieve a dark, tea-colored foam that consistently collects in the collection cup.

Durable Construction - Built to Last

The ASM G-2 is constructed from high-quality, scratch-resistant extruded PVC tubing and injection-molded acrylic. This durable construction ensures the skimmer can withstand the harsh saltwater environment and provide years of reliable service.

Why PVC and Acrylic? PVC and acrylic are ideal materials for aquarium equipment due to their resistance to corrosion and saltwater degradation. They are also lightweight and easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze.

Easy Installation and Maintenance - Hassle-Free Operation

The ASM G-2 is designed for easy installation and maintenance. It is a simple in-sump design, requiring only placement in your sump and connection to the pump. The collection cup is easily removable for cleaning, and the skimmer body can be disassembled for periodic maintenance.

Installation Tips: Ensure the skimmer is placed in a stable location within the sump, away from any strong currents or splashing water. It’s also important to ensure the pump is properly primed before operation.

Maintenance Schedule: Regular cleaning of the collection cup is recommended to prevent buildup and maintain optimal skimming efficiency. A more thorough cleaning of the skimmer body and pump should be performed every few months, depending on the bioload of your aquarium.

Benefits for Reef Tank Enthusiasts

• Crystal Clear Water: By efficiently removing organic waste, the ASM G-2 helps maintain pristine water quality, enhancing the beauty and clarity of your reef tank.
• Reduced Nitrate and Phosphate Levels: Protein skimming helps prevent the buildup of nitrates and phosphates, which can fuel unwanted algae growth and harm sensitive corals.
• Improved Coral Growth and Health: Optimal water quality promotes coral growth and enhances the vibrant colors of your reef inhabitants.
• Reduced Maintenance: By proactively removing organic waste, the ASM G-2 helps reduce the frequency of water changes and other maintenance tasks.

Conclusion

The ASM G-2 Protein Skimmer offers a powerful and reliable solution for maintaining optimal water quality in your reef tank. Its efficient design, combined with the powerful Sedra 3500 pump, ensures effective removal of organic waste, promoting a healthy and thriving reef environment. Whether you’re a seasoned reef keeper or just starting your saltwater journey, the ASM G-2 is a valuable investment in the long-term success of your reef aquarium.