Self-regulating protein skimmer and retrofit kit for retrofitting non-self-regulating protein skimmer
By automatically adjusting the flow rate through the EC sensor and controller of the self-regulating protein skimmer, the problem of excessive skimming in aquariums is solved, water quality is stabilized and water loss is reduced, and optimal foam separation effect is maintained.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RED SEA WATER TREATMENT DEV CO
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing protein skimmers are prone to over-skimming in aquariums, leading to an unwanted increase in water loss and difficulty in maintaining optimal foam separation when organic load fluctuates.
Employing a self-regulating protein skimmer equipped with an EC sensor and controller, it automatically adjusts the fluid flow rate to prevent over-skimming by sensing foam humidity and organic waste humidity, and issues an alarm when necessary. It can also be remotely controlled via a smartphone app.
It effectively reduces water loss, maintains optimal foam separation, prevents excessive skimming, and automatically adjusts the flow rate when organic load fluctuates, ensuring stable water quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN224267887U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a protein skimmer for aquariums (ponds). Background Technology
[0002] Protein skimmers comprise a vertical lower housing with a reaction chamber and an outlet, and a vertical upper foam collection cup. The foam collection cup includes a vertical central foam collection neck in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, and a foam collection perimeter surrounding the foam collection neck. The protein skimmer includes a skimming pump for pumping an air / organic water mixture into the reaction chamber. The protein skimmer separates the air / organic water mixture into foam containing organic matter in the foam collection neck, ultimately collecting the organic waste and relatively organic-free water in the foam collection perimeter to help maintain a controlled aquatic environment within the aquarium. Since the organic-containing foam is water-based, foam separation inevitably leads to water loss from the aquarium, which must be replenished. The protein skimmer includes an outlet regulator for regulating the outflow of relatively organic-free water through the outlet. The protein skimmer and its skimming pump are sized to match the aquarium size to which they are intended for use.
[0003] Protein skimmers are designed for optimal foam separation—effectively removing organic waste collected around the foam collection area while minimizing aquarium water loss. However, during operation, over-skimming can easily occur, primarily due to fluctuations in the organic load (content) of the water. Over-skimming can result from adding food to the aquarium, performing routine maintenance, etc., and leads to an undesirable increase in aquarium water loss compared to the expected minimum. While over-skimming can be avoided by operating the protein skimmer with suboptimal foam separation, this can negatively impact water quality. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention relates to a mains-powered, self-regulating protein skimmer, comprising a skimmer pump for pumping a water mixture containing air / organic matter into its reaction chamber; a conductivity (EC) sensor deployed in its foam collection neck to sense foam humidity; and a controller for controlling the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer based on the foam humidity reading from the EC sensor. The fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer can be controlled by a variable-flow DC skimmer pump and / or an electrically operated outlet regulator for controlling the outlet area. Considering that the EC sensor will gradually become covered by biofilm during operation, the EC sensor is designed to provide reliable conductivity readings for a reasonably extended period (e.g., approximately seven days) before cleaning is required. For the purposes of this invention, a conductivity reading relative to 100% conductivity is required when the EC sensor is fully immersed in the aquarium where the protein skimmer is intended to be deployed, unlike water quality applications that require, for example, absolute conductivity readings.
[0005] The initial user setup of this protein skimmer includes setting an optimal fluid flow rate for its specific skimming pump to achieve optimal foam separation. For ease of illustration, the optimal fluid flow rate is set to approximately 90% of the maximum fluid flow rate. At the optimal fluid flow rate, the average foam humidity is typically approximately 60% of the EC sensor's 100% conductivity reading. The protein skimmer is designed to operate for extended periods with optimal foam separation without triggering a so-called self-leveling procedure when it detects that the foam humidity containing organic matter has increased beyond a foam humidity threshold indicating potential over-skimming (which should be avoided). Therefore, the initial user setup of the protein skimmer also includes setting a foam humidity threshold for the foam containing organic matter in the foam collection neck, which must be higher than the average foam humidity at the optimal fluid flow rate. For ease of illustration, the EC sensor's foam humidity threshold is typically set, for example, to 72% of the EC sensor's 100% conductivity reading. Once this condition is detected, the controller automatically and significantly reduces the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer, thereby reducing the likelihood of foam separation and over-skimming. For ease of illustration, the controller reduces the fluid flow rate from approximately 90% of the maximum fluid flow rate to, for example, approximately 75% of the maximum fluid flow rate.
[0006] As part of the self-balancing process, the controller gradually increases the fluid flow rate to the optimal flow rate while continuously comparing the current foam humidity reading from the EC sensor with a foam humidity threshold. If a peak is detected in the current foam humidity reading from the EC sensor, the controller temporarily reduces the fluid flow rate, thereby temporarily reducing foam separation and consequently lowering the foam humidity sensed by the EC sensor. Over time, the controller restores the fluid flow rate to the optimal flow rate to achieve optimal foam separation, at which point the self-balancing process is considered complete. The fluid flow rate can preferably be adjusted in increments and decrements of, for example, approximately 1% to 3%.
[0007] The protein skimmer preferably includes a second EC sensor to sense the moisture content of organic waste within the foam collection enclosure, detecting when the enclosure is nearing overflow and whether there is a possibility of further overflow. This second EC sensor preferably triggers the controller to achieve two objectives: first, significantly reduce the fluid flow rate to be sufficient for aeration while minimizing foam separation (if any); second, issue a user alarm to remind the user to empty the foam collection enclosure. In controlling the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer, the second EC sensor sensing the moisture content of the organic waste necessarily takes precedence over the EC sensor sensing the foam moisture content. For illustration, if the optimal fluid flow rate for achieving optimal foam separation is set to approximately 90% of the maximum fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer, then the fluid flow rate primarily used for aeration and minimizing foam separation (if any) is set to approximately 60% of the maximum fluid flow rate.
[0008] The controller preferably communicates remotely with a smartphone application for configuration and to receive user alerts regarding fluid flow rates. The invention can also be applied to protein skimmers designed for deployment in aquariums, collection tanks, or as stand-alone units. The invention can also be applied to protein skimmers with permanently attached or manually detachable foam collection cups.
[0009] This invention can also be implemented as a modification kit for converting a non-self-regulating protein skimmer into a self-regulating protein skimmer. Two types of modification kits are envisioned, as follows: The first modification kit includes a variable flow DC skimmer pump to replace the existing non-variable skimmer pump; a user-configurable pump controller to replace the existing user-configurable pump controller (if any); an EC sensor for mounting in the foam collection neck of the protein skimmer; and preferably a second EC sensor for mounting in the foam collection rim of the protein skimmer, for issuing an alarm when the foam collection cup is full and needs to be emptied. The second modification kit includes a servo motor for controlling an electric outlet regulator; a user-configurable controller for controlling the outlet regulator; an EC sensor for mounting in the foam collection neck of the protein skimmer; and preferably a second EC sensor for mounting in the foam collection rim of the protein skimmer, for issuing an alarm when the foam collection cup is full and needs to be emptied. Brief description of the attached figures
[0010] To understand this utility model and its actual implementation, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and wherein:
[0011] Figure 1 This is a partially disassembled front view of a self-regulating protein skimmer, which includes a skimmer pump, a foam collection cup with a foam collection neck and a foam collection perimeter, and an electrical conductivity (EC) sensor unit.
[0012] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a self-regulating protein skimmer in operation;
[0013] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a self-regulating protein skimmer in operation;
[0014] Figure 4 This is a front lower perspective view of the EC sensor unit;
[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A close-up view of area A (circled in the middle) before use;
[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A close-up view of area A (circled in the center) after continuous use; and
[0017] Figure 7 It is a chart that shows how to maintain optimal foam separation while preventing over-skimming and reminding users when the foam collection cup is full. Detailed Implementation
[0018] Self-regulating protein skimmer construction
[0019] Figures 1 to 3 A self-regulating protein skimmer 10 powered by an electrical source (mains power) for deployment in a collection tank is demonstrated. The protein skimmer 10 is designed for use with a smartphone 50 on which a smartphone application 51 is installed, enabling control of the protein skimmer 10 and providing user information, including user alerts. The protein skimmer 10 includes a vertical lower housing 11 having a reaction chamber 12 for foam separation of an air / organic water mixture, resulting in foam containing organic matter and relatively organic-free water; a skimmer pump 13 for pumping the air / organic water mixture into the reaction chamber 12; and an outlet 14 for allowing the relatively organic-free water to flow out of the reaction chamber 12. The protein skimmer 10 includes an outlet regulator 16 for controlling the outlet area of the outlet 14.
[0020] The protein skimmer 10 includes a vertical foam collecting cup 17 having a vertical central foam collecting neck 18 in fluid communication with the reaction chamber 12, and a foam collecting perimeter 19 surrounding the foam collecting neck 18. The foam collecting neck 18 has an inner surface 18A, an uppermost edge 18B, and an outer surface 18C. The protein skimmer 10 separates air / organic water mixture foam into organic-containing foam columns within the foam collecting neck 18. These organic-containing foam columns have a highly aerated foam phase near the uppermost edge 18B of the foam collecting neck, with a predominantly liquid phase below the foam phase. The organic-containing foam columns consist of relatively large, continuously randomly moving conductive bubbles with highly conductive membrane surfaces. The foam collecting cup 17 includes a manually removable foam collecting cup lid 21, which is raised relative to the foam collecting neck 18 and acts as a foam barrier to guide organic-containing foam overflowing from the foam collecting neck 18 downwards into the foam collecting perimeter 19. The foam collection rim 19 preferably includes a drain pipe 22 for draining dirty aquarium water therefrom.
[0021] The protein skimmer 10 includes a user-configurable controller 23 and an electrical conductivity (EC) sensor unit 24 for sensing the humidity of foam in the foam collection neck 18 and the humidity of organic waste in the foam collection perimeter 19, in order to provide an output signal to the controller 23 for controlling the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer 10. The EC sensor unit 24 can communicate with the controller 23 via wired or wireless communication. The controller 23 can control a variable flow DC skimmer pump (see...) Figure 2 ) and / or an electric output regulator 16 including a servo motor 26 (see Figure 3 The controller 23 controls the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer 10. The controller 23 is preferably operated by a smartphone application 51 for setting the optimal fluid flow rate for achieving optimal foam separation, the foam humidity threshold for the foam humidity in the foam collection neck 18, and the waste humidity threshold for the organic waste in the foam collection perimeter 19. Furthermore, the controller 23 may include a manual control device for setting these parameters.
[0022] EC sensor unit:
[0023] Figures 4 to 6 The EC sensor unit 24 is shown to have an inverted, generally U-shaped structure for mounting within the foam collection cup lid 21. The EC sensor unit 24 includes an EC sensor 27A and an EC sensor 27B, which have the same structure, differing only in that EC sensor 27A is longer than EC sensor 27B due to its intended use. EC sensor 27A is designed to sense the foam humidity of the highly aerated (aerated) foam phase within the organic-containing foam column, rather than the humidity of the primary liquid phase below it. The continuous conductivity reading of the foam humidity by EC sensor 27A can vary considerably due to momentary contact with the bubbles; therefore, the foam humidity reading is averaged over a predetermined time period (e.g., 3 to 5 seconds). EC sensor 27B is designed to sense the conductivity of organic-containing waste within the foam collection perimeter 19 to effectively determine the height of the organic-containing waste. Since the organic-containing foam is guided downwards into the foam collection perimeter 19 by the foam collection lid 21, EC sensor 27B is also deployed in an environment primarily based on organic-containing foam. Therefore, using EC sensor unit 24 to sense foam humidity and organic waste humidity differs from the conventional application of immersing EC sensors in water. EC sensor unit 24 is also designed to function even when its EC sensors 27A and 27B are gradually covered by biofilm 36 during operation (see...). Figure 6 It can also provide reliable conductivity readings.
[0024] EC sensors 27A and 27B include corresponding EC sensor housings 28A and 28B. EC sensor housings 28A and 28B have corresponding lower surfaces 29A and 29B. Each lower surface 29 has a pair of downwardly suspended, spaced-apart electrodes 31A and 31B. Electrodes 31A and 31B are spaced approximately 8 mm apart, designed to be wide enough to avoid permanent electrical connections between them, and narrow enough to allow for selective electrical connections between them. Electrodes 31A and 31B have corresponding insulated electrode tails 32A and 32B, and corresponding exposed electrode heads 33A and 33B, which are adjacent to and distanced from the lower surfaces 29A and 29B of the EC sensor housing, respectively. Insulators 34A and 34B, approximately 3 mm to 4 mm long, are mounted on the tails of the insulating electrodes 32A and 32B, respectively, leaving exposed electrode heads 33A and 33B, approximately 2 mm to 3 mm long. This allows the EC sensors 27A and 27B to be conductive between their pair of spaced-apart exposed electrode heads 33A and 33B, but not between their pair of spaced-apart insulating electrode tails 32A and 32B.
[0025] Install a self-regulating protein skimmer in the aquarium:
[0026] The setup includes the following steps:
[0027] Install smartphone application 51 on smartphone 50 to enable remote communication with controller 23;
[0028] To achieve optimal foam separation, the optimal fluid flow rate is set to effectively remove organic waste while minimizing aquarium water loss. For clarity, the optimal fluid flow rate is set, for example, to 90% of the maximum fluid flow rate.
[0029] Settings to prevent over-skimming:
[0030] The EC sensor 27A was calibrated between a 0% conductivity reading in air and a 100% conductivity reading when fully immersed in an aquarium where the protein skimmer was intended to be deployed.
[0031] Deploy EC sensor 27A in foam collection neck 18;
[0032] Set the foam humidity threshold of EC sensor 27A to, for example, 72% of its 100% conductivity reading;
[0033] Set a reduced fluid flow rate to prevent over-skimming.
[0034] For ease of explanation, the reduced fluid flow rate is set to, for example, 75% of the maximum fluid flow rate.
[0035] Settings to prevent organic waste from overflowing:
[0036] The EC sensor 27B was calibrated between a 0% conductivity reading in air and a 100% conductivity reading when fully immersed in an aquarium where the protein skimmer was intended to be deployed.
[0037] Deploy EC sensor 27B in foam collection perimeter 19;
[0038] Set the organic waste moisture threshold of EC sensor 27B to, for example, 85% of its 100% conductivity reading;
[0039] Set the reduced fluid flow rate primarily for aeration purposes, while minimizing foam separation (if any) and issuing a user alarm to clear the foam collection perimeter. For clarity, the reduced fluid flow rate is set, for example, to 60% of the maximum fluid flow rate.
[0040] Operation of the self-regulating protein skimmer
[0041] Figure 7 The example illustrates the operation of the protein skimmer 10, which maintains optimal foam separation while preventing over-skimming and overflow of organic waste, and reminds the user to empty the full foam collection rim. Figure 7 An example of a so-called self-leveling procedure is also given. The smartphone application 51 is configured to display the optimal fluid flow rate set by the user and the current fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer. The smartphone application 51 is also preferably configured to display the current foam humidity reading and the current organic-containing waste humidity reading.
[0042] Figure 7 The left side shows the initial operation of the protein skimmer 10, at 90% of the optimal fluid flow rate and 60% of the foam humidity reading, safely below the 72% foam humidity threshold. Foam separation causes foam containing organic matter to accumulate in the foam collection neck 18, while relatively organic-free water flows out from the outlet 14. Foam containing organic matter overflows from the uppermost edge 18B of the foam collection neck and slides along the outer surface 18C of the foam collection neck into the foam collection perimeter 19. Continued foam separation may trigger a self-leveling procedure as described below.
[0043] Figure 7As shown on the right, with the continuous operation of the protein skimmer 10, organic waste gradually accumulates in the foam collection rim 19 until it reaches the conductivity (EC) sensor 27B. Therefore, the controller 23 reduces the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer 10 to a preset 60% to minimize foam separation (if any) for aeration. Accordingly, since there is no organic-containing foam in the foam collection neck 18 near the EC sensor 27A, the foam humidity reading of the EC sensor 27A drops to near zero. It is advisable to remind the user that the foam collection rim 19 needs cleaning to remove accumulated organic waste.
[0044] Self-leveling procedure
[0045] During normal operation, when the humidity of foam containing organic matter suddenly exceeds the 72% foam humidity threshold (indicating a potential over-skimming situation that should be avoided), controller 23 automatically initiates the following self-balancing procedure: controller 23 significantly reduces the fluid flow rate from its optimal 90% to, for example, a preset reduced fluid flow rate of 75%, thereby effectively interrupting foam separation and preventing over-skimming. This significant reduction in fluid flow rate causes an immediate and substantial decrease in the foam humidity reading of EC sensor 27A, for example, to 30%.
[0046] After a short period of a few minutes, controller 23 begins to gradually increase the fluid flow rate in increments of, say, 2%. After each increase, the fluid flow rate is maintained for a few minutes before the next increase. Therefore, controller 23 needs to gradually increase the fluid flow rate through protein skimmer 10 in eight 2% increments to restore it from a reduced flow rate of 75% to its optimal flow rate of 90%, i.e., to normal operating conditions.
[0047] However, if the foam humidity reading of EC sensor 27A exceeds the 72% foam humidity threshold again before reaching 90% of the optimal fluid flow rate, controller 23 will reduce the fluid flow rate by 2% to reduce foam separation. Figure 7 The self-leveling program in the data shows that after the program was started, the foam humidity reading exceeded the 72% foam humidity threshold three times. 2% increments and decrements are automatically and continuously performed until the fluid flow rate of the protein skimmer 10 successfully returns to 90% of its optimal flow rate. In this way, the protein skimmer 10 self-levels the skimming operation to prevent over-skimming while maintaining the skimming operation throughout the self-leveling process.
[0048] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it should be understood that many variations, modifications and other applications can be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A self-regulating protein skimmer for an aquarium, the protein skimmer comprising: a) A vertical lower housing, comprising: i) A reaction chamber for foam separation of an air / organic water mixture into foam containing organic matter and water that is relatively free of organic matter; ii) A skimming pump for pumping the water mixture containing air / organic matter into the reaction chamber; iii) An outlet having an outlet area for allowing the relatively organic-free water to flow out of the reaction chamber; iv) An outlet regulator for controlling the outlet area to regulate the flow of the relatively organic-free water from the reaction chamber; b) A vertical upper foam collecting cup mounted on the vertical lower housing, the foam collecting cup having a vertical central foam collecting neck in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for collecting foam columns containing organic matter therein, and a foam collecting perimeter surrounding the foam collecting neck. The foam collecting neck has an inner surface, an uppermost edge, and an outer surface. The foam column containing organic matter has a highly aerated foam phase near the uppermost edge of the foam collection neck, and below the foam phase is mainly a liquid phase; The foam collection perimeter is filled with organic waste that overflows from the foam collection neck; c) A conductivity sensor, deployed in the foam collecting neck near the uppermost edge of the foam collecting neck, for sensing the foam moisture content in the foam phase of the organic-containing foam column; and d) A user-defined controller for controlling the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer based on the foam humidity readings from the conductivity sensor.
2. The protein skimmer according to claim 1, wherein, The skimming pump is a variable flow DC skimming pump, and the controller controls the pump speed of the variable flow DC skimming pump based on the foam humidity reading of the conductivity sensor to control the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer.
3. The protein skimmer according to claim 1, wherein, The outlet regulator is an electric outlet regulator, and the controller controls the electric outlet regulator based on the foam humidity reading of the conductivity sensor to control the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer.
4. The protein skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The user-defined controller is used to set the optimal fluid flow rate in order to effectively remove waste containing organic matter while minimizing the loss of aquarium water, thus achieving optimal foam separation.
5. The protein skimmer according to claim 4, wherein, During the process of gradually increasing the fluid flow rate to the optimal fluid flow rate, before the fluid flow rate equals the optimal fluid flow rate, when the foam humidity of the organic-containing foam is detected to exceed the foam humidity peak, the fluid flow rate is reduced to the previous fluid flow rate before the humidity peak occurs.
6. The protein skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second conductivity sensor for sensing that the organic waste has substantially filled the foam collection perimeter, at which point the controller reduces the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer to minimize foam separation, and if applicable, aerates the air / organic water mixture, and / or issues a user alarm to empty the foam collection perimeter.
7. The protein skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Each of the conductivity sensors includes a conductivity sensor housing having a lowermost surface with a pair of downwardly suspended and spaced-apart electrodes. Each electrode has an electrode tail and an electrode head, the electrode tail being adjacent to and the electrode head being distant from the lowermost surface of the conductivity sensor housing, respectively. Each electrode has an insulator for insulating its electrode root, such that the conductivity sensor is conductive between the pair of spaced-apart electrode heads and not conductive between the pair of spaced-apart electrode tails.
8. The protein skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a smartphone application that communicates remotely with the controller for setting the controller and receiving user alerts.
9. A modification kit for converting a non-self-regulating protein skimmer into a self-regulating protein skimmer, the non-self-regulating protein skimmer comprising: a) A vertical lower housing, comprising: i) A reaction chamber for foam separation of an air / organic water mixture into foam containing organic matter and water that is relatively free of organic matter; ii) A skimming pump for pumping a mixture of water containing air / organic matter into the reaction chamber; iii) An outlet having an outlet area for allowing relatively organic-free water to flow out of the reaction chamber; iv) An outlet regulator for controlling the outlet area to regulate the outflow of relatively organic-free water from the reaction chamber; and b) A vertical upper foam collecting cup mounted on the vertical lower housing, the foam collecting cup having a vertical central foam collecting neck in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for collecting foam columns containing organic matter therein, and a foam collecting perimeter surrounding the foam collecting neck. The foam collecting neck has an inner surface, an uppermost edge, and an outer surface. The foam column containing organic matter has a highly aerated foam phase near the uppermost edge of the foam collection neck, and below the foam phase is mainly a liquid phase; The foam collection perimeter is filled with organic waste that overflows from the foam collection neck; The modification kit includes: A variable flow DC skimming pump is used to replace the skimming pump; A conductivity sensor is used to sense the foam moisture content in the foam phase of a foam column containing organic matter in a foam collector neck; and A user-defined controller is used to selectively control the flow rate of the variable flow DC skimming pump based on the foam humidity readings from the conductivity sensor.
10. A modification kit for converting a non-self-regulating protein skimmer into a self-regulating protein skimmer, the non-self-regulating protein skimmer comprising: a) A vertical lower housing, comprising: i) A reaction chamber for foam separation of an air / organic water mixture into foam containing organic matter and water that is relatively free of organic matter; ii) A skimming pump for pumping a mixture of water containing air / organic matter into the reaction chamber; iii) An outlet having an outlet area for allowing relatively organic-free water to flow out of the reaction chamber; iv) An outlet regulator for controlling the outlet area to regulate the outflow of relatively organic-free water from the reaction chamber; and b) A vertical upper foam collecting cup mounted on the vertical lower housing, the foam collecting cup having a vertical central foam collecting neck in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for collecting foam columns containing organic matter therein, and a foam collecting perimeter surrounding the foam collecting neck. The foam collecting neck has an inner surface, an uppermost edge, and an outer surface. The foam column containing organic matter has a highly aerated foam phase near the uppermost edge of the foam collection neck, and below the foam phase is mainly a liquid phase; The foam collection perimeter is filled with organic waste from the foam collection neck; The modification kit includes: One electric outlet regulator; A conductivity sensor is used to sense the foam moisture content in the foam phase of foam containing organic matter in a foam collector neck; and A user-defined controller is used to selectively control the electric outlet regulator based on the foam humidity readings from the conductivity sensor.
11. The modification kit according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The user-defined controller is used to set the optimal fluid flow rate in order to effectively remove waste containing organic matter while minimizing the loss of aquarium water, thus achieving optimal foam separation.
12. The modification kit according to claim 11, wherein, During the process of gradually increasing the fluid flow rate to the optimal fluid flow rate, before the fluid flow rate equals the optimal fluid flow rate, when the foam humidity of the organic-containing foam is detected to exceed the foam humidity peak, the fluid flow rate is reduced to the previous fluid flow rate before the humidity peak occurs.
13. The modification kit according to any one of claims 9 to 10 further includes a second conductivity sensor for sensing that the organic waste has substantially filled the foam collection perimeter, at which point the controller reduces the fluid flow rate through the protein skimmer to minimize foam separation, aerates the air / organic water mixture if applicable, and / or issues a user alarm to empty the foam collection perimeter.
14. The modification kit according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, Each of the conductivity sensors includes a conductivity sensor housing having a lowermost surface with a pair of downwardly suspended and spaced-apart electrodes. Each electrode has an electrode tail and an electrode head, the electrode tail being adjacent to and the electrode head being distant from the lowermost surface of the conductivity sensor housing, respectively. Each electrode has an insulator for insulating its electrode tail, such that the conductivity sensor is conductive between the pair of spaced-apart electrode heads and not conductive between the pair of spaced-apart electrode tails.
15. The retrofit kit according to any one of claims 9 to 10 further includes a smartphone application that communicates remotely with the controller for setting the controller and receiving user alerts.