Although protein is a necessary organic compound needed by fish and corals to grow and live, any excess amount is considered harmful to the aquarium. When protein breaks down, ammonia is released in the water. Ammonia is a chemical compound that -- if it comes in large amounts -- is toxic to fish. Ammonia also makes it harder for fish to breath underwater. The harder fish try to breathe, the more water they take in their gills. This action causes damage to their gills and as a result, to their respiratory system as a whole.

Therefore, it is necessary to remove excess protein from your aquarium using a skimmer, particularly the Aquac Urchin In-Sump Protein Skimmer Without Pump from Pet Store. This skimmer is small enough to be installed in an aquarium's existing pump without the need for special plumbing or high maintenance. It works by using a technology called spray induction, which involves the formation of thick sprays of foam to which the protein can stick to. The foam gets collected in the sump -- along with the captured protein -- to be disposed of later.

This simple device using a simple process will surely save you a lot of trouble. For your smaller fish tanks, get the Aquac Urchin In-Sump Protein Skimmer Without Pump and you will never be sorry.