Sander Aquarium Systems

Protein Skimmers

Helgoland
Fresh-Skim

Sander means:
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For more than 50 years, Erwin Sander Elektroapparatebau GmbH has been
developing and producing innovative products for the water treatment in
seawater aquaria.
Founded in 1961 by Erwin Sander, the company initially developed and produced
small ozone generators for water treatment in seawater aquaria. In the following
years, looking for an efficient reactor to introduce ozone into the system, Erwin
Sander developed and constructed his first protein skimmer.
In 1971, the company won a contract to redesign the aquarium of the Institute for
Marine Science in Kiel: two recirculation systems of 40 m3 each were equipped
with protein skimmers and ozone technology. This event was a milestone in the
companys history: the transition from serving the hobby aquarist to working for
public and show aquaria as well, with water volumes of several cubic meters.
Expanding towards bigger and more complex water treatment systems for public
show aquaria in the 80s and 90s opened a world-wide market for Sander.
In 2000, the production of skimmers for freshwater aquaria began, and ozone
treatment of pond installations was expanded.

50+ Years of Aquarium Systems

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In 2009, facing world-wide demand in energy savings and higher efficiency in

order to reduce production and running costs, Sander developed a new generation
of protein skimmers: the Helgoland LE range. LE is short for Low Energy these
skimmers feature an integrated system for the production and blending-in of
bubbles that offers increased efficiency and reduced power consumption.
Today, Sanders skimmers are in use in domestic environments as well as in large
and public show aquaria all over the world. In recent years, development efforts
have resulted in skimmers of various sizes and enclosure materials.
Many applications benefit from sophisticated water treatment using Sanders
advanced skimmers including fish farming and pisciculture systems,
transportation of fish on wellboats, aquaculture, and scientific research.

2
5

Left: Air bubbles, protein

compounds and pollutants
including bacteria and viruses.

Center: Protein compounds attach

to the air bubbles.

Right: Pollutants attach to the

protein compounds and form a
conglomerate.

Working principle of Sanders protein skimmers

1
Sanders skimmers use very fine air bubblesas
the central filtration element. An active
2
zone builds up on the bubble surface, to which protein compoundsadhere
very easily
due to their molecular structure. These form two molecular ends a hydrophobic moiety
which attaches to the bubble surface, and a hydrophilic moiety which reaches into the
surrounding body of water. Various pollutants, in turn, accumulate around the hydrophilic
3 viruses
4 and other pollutant
part in particular, organic materials such as bacteria,
5
particles.
A conglomerate of air bubble, protein molecules and pollutants forms and floats to the
water surface due to the bubbles buoyant force. The protein compounds surface activity
causes a firm foam structure to build up, enclosing the pollutants. This foam is discharged
via the foam tube. In this way, pollutants are removed not only from the aquarium, but
completely from the water cycle.
In this way, the protein skimmer opens a window in the cycle of materials. This fact
distinguishes the protein skimmer substantially from any other mechanical filter.

Substances that may be removed from the water using protein skimming:
Protein compounds
Various organic compounds

Reduction of bod and cod (biological and chemical oxygen demand)

cod in the foam is concentrated by a factor of about 100
Precursors of the toxins, ammonium and nitrite
Fine suspended solids
Residual feed and feces
Bacterial biomass and microalgae
metabolic products from the biofilter
Sander protein skimmers are ideal reaction vessels for the application of ozone. All
Sander protein skimmers are equipped with an ozone inlet. The use of ozone supports and
enhances the effiency of the skimming process and offers valuable benefits including
oxidation of nitrite, degermination and formation of stable foam.

The beaker on the left contains

clear water from the aquarium
(the so-called process water).
On the right, the beaker is filled
with water from the foam head.

Gas balance
Sander protein skimmers effectively enhance the cycle of gases in the water. Animals
breathe oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. This reduces the waters pH. In the skimmer,
carbon dioxide is largely blown out, and oxygen is re-introduced. The water from the
skimmers outlet is constantly slightly oversaturated with oxygen.
Interaction with other filter elements
Sander protein skimmers
substantially enhance the efficacy of biofilters,
remove metabolic products from biofilters,
are ideally suited for the application of ozone,
lengthen the intervals between backwash procedures for sand filters,
are optimal for safely recycling outlet water from anaerobic biology (denitrification),
increase the amount of light incidence throughout the entire spectrum.
Highest efficiency
Sander protein skimmers operate at the highest level of efficiency.

The image above shows an example filter set-up (3D rendering) from an aquaculture
facility.

Aquarium hobbyists, specialist retailers, large show aquaria, research and

development, as well as fish farms and aquaculture systems many users and
applications benefit from clear water.
Sander protein skimmers are in use for a wide range of animals including small, delicate
invertebrates (e.g. corals); shellfish (e.g. crabs); chondrichthyes (e.g. sharks and rays);
osteichthyes (e.g. wrasses and seahorses); penguins, as well as mammals (e.g. seals and
polar bears).
Marine aquaculture for food fish, and fish farms are other areas of application for which
Sander protein skimmers are ideal.
In fish hatcheries, Sander protein skimmers can provide the desired water quality for eggs,
larvae and fingerlings.

Parts of a Sander protein skimmer

The various components of a Sander skimmer are inspected and carefully assembled by
our expert staff, who pay great attention to detail. A standard Sander protein skimmer is
equipped with the parts shown here.

Foam head
The foam ejected from the foam tube is collected in
the foam head.
Inner irrigator
A rotating system of nozzles inside the foam tube is
used to cleanse the tube, using pressurized water.
The edge of the foam tube is cleaned by a scrubber.

Water inlet
The water inlet is located at the top of the reaction
vessel. Water flows through the reaction vessel from
top to bottom.

Standpipe
The standpipe displays the water level in the reaction
vessel. This standpipe is also used in skimmers with
automatic water level control (optional feature):
A pressure sensor measures the water level in the
skimmer and sends this information to the control
electronics. When the water level in the skimmer
becomes too high, the outlet valve is automatically
opened until the water has dropped to the correct
level. When the water level is too low, the outlet
valve is automatically closed until the default level
is reached. This ensures that the skimmer operates
steadily, even under difficult conditions such as
hydrodynamic fluctuations.

Manhole for maintenance

Beginning with Helgoland model 1000, our skimmers
are equipped with a manhole. This provides easy
access to the reaction vessel for maintenance and
inspection work.

Drain valve
Using this valve, the skimmer can be completely
emptied of water easily, e. g. for maintenace.

Outer irrigator
A separate system of nozzles can be activated to
clean the inside of the foam head and the outside of
the foam tube. This system is operated using fresh
water and can be controlled manually using a valve or
automatically using a timer switch.

Foam tube
Foam is transported and ejected through the foam
tube. The pollutant-rich foam is accumulated at the
top of the tube before it is ejected into the foam head.
Reaction vessel
For best results when making use of the counterflow
principle, reaction containers are adequately sized
to allow for a retention time of 1.5 to 2 minutes (in
normal operation).

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Water outlet
All skimmers have an outlet that is located near the
ground. Designed as a standpipe with an air vent, this
type of outlet makes sure that the skimmer can never
run dry even when it is idle. Beginning with Helgoland
model 600, the outlet is equipped with a large valve
or shutter. On demand, the outlet pipe can be rested
on the ground using stainless steel threaded rods.

Injection unit
The injection unit is made up of the feed water pump
and the injector.
The injector provides a vacuum that causes air to be
drawn into the water. The required amount of air may
be controlled and monitored using an air flow meter.
The injector is designed to ensure a steady stream of
fine air bubbles.
The feed water pumps are made from seawaterresistant plastic.

Materials
Sander protein skimmers are made from four different choices of enclosure material
whichever is best suited to size and site of application (indoor or outdoor).
Acrylic glass
Our skimmers with a
diameter of 250 mm to
500 mm are made from
acrylic glass.

Fresh-Skim 200 and

Helgoland 5002100
10

Polypropylene (PP)
By default, skimmers
with a diameter of 600
mm and greater are made
from polypropylene. This
high-quality, seawaterresistant material is ideal
for indoor applications.

Helgoland 17503000 and

Helgoland 15004000

Polyethylene (PE)
For outdoor applications,
skimmers of 600 mm
or greater diameter
can be manufactured
from polyethylene. This
high-quality material is
UV resistant as well as
seawater-resistant.

Fresh-Skim 7003000 and

Helgoland 29004000
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Steel
For applications that
must withstand extreme
conditions such as those on
wellboats, skimmers are
custom-made from steel.
Steel skimmers are provided
with a seawater-resistant
coating.

Helgoland 30004500

Custom design
Our many years of experience allows us to offer expert custom solutions for the most
diverse applications, including systems for lower animals, facilities for sharks, as well as
setups for breeding food fish.
Each application requires a unique layout; each client has individual requirements. It is our
goal to fulfil these requirements. Sander not only provides the skimmers, but also all the
accessory equipment, as well as engineering and project management tasks.

Technical Specifications
Water flow rate (m3/h)
(1.5 minutes retention time)

989

15

180

Air intake rate (m3/h)

Basic
Design
LE Design
(Low Energy)

Power consumption (kW)

Diameter
(mm)

250
300
12

500
600
700
850
1000
1200
1500
1750
2000
2500
3000

Design height (mm)

2000
3
4
11
16
25

0,37
0,45

3000

3500

4000

4500

1,2
1,5
5

0,7
1,1

2500

6,7

19,7

34

0,85

36
56,5
74

6,7

25,4

41,5

13,6
1,1

47

18

63

27

90

1,1

0,85

1,46
2,7

141
192
251

1,1

6,7

0,85

13,6
1,1

59

18

78

27

113

42

170

60

240

85

314

1,46
2,7
2,7
3,8
4,85

471
678

Technical details are subject to modifications and amendments.

13,6
1,1

70

18

94

27

135

42

212

60

289

85

377

120

589

180

848

1,46
2,7
3,8
3,8
4,85
7,6
15

13,6
1,1

81,7

18

110

27

158

42

247

60

336

85

440

120

668

180

989

1,46
2,7
3,8
3,8
4,85
7,6
15

13,6
1,1
1,46

27

2,7

42

3,8

60

3,8
4,85
7,6
15

18

85

120
180

Overview of skimmer models

The first number in the model names denotes the diameter, the
second number stands for the design height of the skimmer
(values in millimeters).

Fresh-Skim
200

Helgoland 10003500

Helgoland 10004500

Helgoland 25003500

Fresh-Skim
7002500

Helgoland 15003500

Fresh-Skim
7003000

Helgoland 15004000

Helgoland 25004200

Helgoland
2502050

Helgoland
5002100

Helgoland 17503000

Helgoland 30004500

Helgoland
6002500

Helgoland
8503000

Helgoland 20004000

Helgoland 20004500

Helgoland 20004500
Helgoland 25004200

Helgoland 30004500
Helgoland 15004000

Helgoland 10004500
Helgoland 20004000

Helgoland 25003500

Helgoland 10003500

Helgoland 15003500

Helgoland 17503000
Helgoland 10003500
Fresh-Skim 7003000

Fresh-Skim 7002500
Helgoland 5002010
Helgoland 2502050
Helgoland 6002500
Fresh-Skim 200

Size comparison of Sander protein skimmers

Choosing your setup

What does my aquarium need?
This sizing table provides a guide for chosing the ideal skimmer model and matching
ozonizer. All of the suggested ozonizers are from Sanders Multizon range, except
for the setups marked with an asterisk (*).

Aquarium Size (m3)

3)

2969

Max. ozone production (g/h) of matching ozonizer

150

Helgoland series Ozonizers

Diameter
(mm)

14

Design height (mm)

2000

2500

250

*1

300

12

**2

500

33

600

48

3000

3500

4000

4500

Ozonizer models:
Sander Multizon, except:
* S 1000, ** P 2000
60

10

76

10

700

76

10

102

10

125

10

850

123

10

143

10

177

10

211

12

245

12

1000

170

10

189

10

236

12

283

16

330

20

1200

224

12

271

16

340

20

407

20

475

30

1500

340

20

424

30

520

30

636

40

742

40

1750

577

30

722

40

866

60

1010

60

2000

754

40

942

60

1130

60

1319

80

2500

1413

80

1767

100 2002

100

3000

2035

120

2545

150 2969

150

Fresh-Skim series Ozonizers

Diameter
(mm)

200

Design height (mm)

1800
20

2000

2500

3000

*1

300

50

**2

500

100

Ozonizer models:
Sander Multizon, except:
* S 1000, ** P 2000

700

200

10

356

20

850

405

20

524

30

This information is subject to change; we can offer no warranties. Details may change depending on the type of
aquarium this recommendation is for aquarium setups. For aquaculture systems and special applications (e. g.
wastewater), please contact us we will be happy to offer our advice.

Sander ozonizer Multizon

Your aquarium & Sanders ozone technology

A modern, well-working filtration system is a basic requirement for a healthy aquarium with
minimal water consumption. In many cases, however, filters alone are insufficient. Sander
has been developing and producing aquarium technology with the oxidizing gas, ozone, as
the central principle of action.
When correctly applied, ozone will:
oxidize yellow substance to provide clear water
reduce peak nitrite concentration
diminish the emergence of germs
oxidize substances which are not readily bio-degradable
boost and stabilize the redox potential
combat cloudy water
reduce contamination with organic substances
Ozone is provided by Ozonizers. For large aquaria (water capacity over 20 m3), Sander
offers a variety of models in the Multizon series. These fully automatic ozonizers are built
to very demanding German standards (including din 19627 and certification by tv, the
German Technical Control Board). Sanders protein skimmers provide the ideal method for
the application of ozone in aquaria: a contact column (reactor). Ozone concentration is
controlled via the redox potential, for which we offer expert solutions as well.
The combination of skimmer and Multizon ozonizer requires additional accessories.
Please contact us for detailed information.

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For more information, expert advice and orders, please contact us at:

+49 (5173) 9710

aqua-sander.de
Erwin Sander Elektroapparatebau GmbH
Am Osterberg 22
31311 Uetze-Eltze
Germany
Phone +49 (5173) 971-0
Fax
+49 (5173) 971-197
E-Mail info@aqua-sander.de
Web www.aqua-sander.de

2012 Erwin Sander Elektroapparatebau GmbH.

Illustrations and 3D renderings (including title page): hokolo3d.de Design: ngin.de
Photo credits: PHOTOCASE S. 23: derProjektor, S. 5: alicante, S. 7: obivan