What exactly is a protein skimmer?

[peef]

Just curious, what exactly is a protein skimmer? If anyone can break this down to me I would appreciate it. Thanks ahead of time!

 

[reef diver]

protein skimmer is a device that mixes air and water to form small bubbles, to which dissolved waste attracts, the bubbles then push through into teh collection cup and pop, releasing teh waste into teh collection cup, and out of your system, one of the BEST FILTRATION UNITS

 

[jimmy 4]

search protien skimmer to find a exact description of what it does.