Best Protein Skimmer for your tank. – Protein Skimmer Buyer’s Guide and Product
Reviews
What is a “Protein Skimmer”
In a reef or saltwater aquarium, a “protein skimmer” uses “air bubbles to remove the
harmful dissolved organic compounds in the water that is pumped into the skimmer. Clean well oxygenated water is then pumped back out.
For more information on protein skimmers read our article by clicking here.
Now that you understand the reasons your saltwater aquarium needs a protein skimmer the following may very well be some of the best protein skimmers available based on reports from those who own and use
them.
AquaMaxx HOB 1.5 Protein Skimmer
Great for medium sized tanks this Hang on the back Protein Skimmer is rated for 60 to 90 gallon saltwater tanks depending on stocking. It runs with a AquaMaxx SHARK 1.0 (modified and upgraded Italian Sicce pump. This skimmer is not well known but has decent reviews and ratings as of the time of this writing.
Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
One top-rated protein skimmer is the “Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer.” Rated for reef tanks up to 140 gallons the product a practical addition for large aquarium enthusiasts. Bubble-Magus skimmers feature reliable pumps that rarely fail. Bubble-Magus brand prides itself on creating skimmers with unique and useful features. One of them is the needle wheel pump which regulates the intake
to generate a perfect size bubble without creating turbulence in the water. The curved shape of the skimmer allows the foam gracefully rise to the container cup. The skimmer operates virtually silently and is easy to disassemble and clean. Lastly, the Bubble-Magus is small and easy to install and operate. Bubble-Magus users report that the skimmer produces an aquarium water that is “crystal
clear,” eliminating tons of dark, foul skimmate on a regular basis. One customer has commented that for the price, the “Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer” can’t be beaten!
Bubble Magus QQ 1 Nano Protein Skimmer
Alternatives to protein skimmers that go under the tank are those that that hang on to the outside of nano reef tanks and other smaller saltwater aquariums. Bubble Magus manufactures the QQ1 Hang-On Nano Protein Skimmer which is perfect for novices or beginners. It is perfect for small reef tanks known as nano reef tanks. This external skimmer uses a Rock SP600 Pump and is rated for smaller tanks up to 25 gallons. The skimmer sits tightly on rimmed tanks. The dimensions of this small skimmer are 5.8 inches long by 4.4 inches wide and 10 and 1/5 inches high.. Its Customers that own and use this skimmer consider it well worth the money.
If you have a biocube nano reef tank by Coralife you can just install the very affordable small nano skimmer designed for the Coralife Biocube.
They also offer a UV Serilizer for smaller reef tanks.
Skimmer for Very Large Tanks
Reef Octopus Classic 202-S
The top-of-the-line protein reef skimmer for very large tanks and commercial applications is the Reef Octopus Classic 202-S, rated a full 5 stars from Amazon.com consumers. The Reef Octopus Classic protein skimmer is made of durable clear acrylic and can be broken down completely when cleaning is needed, approximately once per month. The skimmer has a clear, wine-glass look with a narrow stem that concentrates the foam as it rises enhancing oxygenation.
The internal pinwheel pump combines oxygen and air in the perfect
ratio to maximize waste removal. The size of the skimmer is around one foot by one-foot round at the base and about 2 feet tall. The pump uses 35 watts of electricity. Customers report loving this skimmer. It is exceptional for aquatic plants and fish but works equally well with only either. Satisfied customers report that the
skimmer is easy to set up, easy to use, runs quietly, is powerful and looks amazing! The product is recommended for aquariums of up to 265 gallons.
No matter what budget you may have for your aquarium, investing in the best
protein skimmer will make your aquarium maintenance keeping experience more enjoyable. From healthy vibrant fish and corals, to crystal clear healthy water, a protein skimmer is an essential element in your reef aquarium.