Aquarium Protein Skimmer

An essential piece of equipment for all saltwater enthusiast is an aquarium protein skimmer.

It can greatly improve the quality of your water, reduce nitrate buildup, help prevent aggressive algae growth, and improve water clarity to enhance light penetration for a brighter, cleaner, and clearer aquarium.

It simulates the white foamy stuff you will see in the ocean. This is called foam fractionation.

It basically removes dissolved organic wastes from the water.

The suspended toxins will stick to the bubbles (much like soap suds) and be removed from the water into the collection cup.

Protein skimmers had become an essential gadget for the saltwater tank nowadays.

How does aquarium protein skimmer exactly work?

Air goes in to the bottom of the tube by using an external source. It then generate clouds of fine bubles that flow to the surface.

Proteins and other wastes is attach to the bubbles, travel to the surface and is collected in a removable cup that can be emptied.

This also serves as another chemical filtration. But unlike other filters, wastes are actually removed from the water and not converted into something else. It takes a lot of burden off the other filters. =)

Compare Brands

There are so many different types of aquarium protein skimmer in the market. Try to invest the biggest skimmer possible that fits within your space and budget. This will increase the skimmer's effectiveness and make maintenance easier.

The table below can help you compare brands and get ideas on which one you would need for your saltwater aquarium.

(Table Source: DrsFosterandSmith.com)

Type
V = Venturi
T = Turbo
T - V = Turbo-Venturi
A = Air injection

Placement
S = In Sump
FS = Free Standing
HOS = Hang On Sump
HOT = Hang On Tank
I = Inside Aquarium

Skimmer Model

Type

Placement

Special Attributes

Up to 400 Gallons
Turboflotor 5000 Shorty	T-V	S	Powerful, compact skimmer designed for in-cabinet installation
Up to 300 Gallons
Prizm Pro Deluxe	T	HOT; S; HOS	Surface skimming attachment for maximum waste removal
Up to 250 Gallons
Turboflotor 1000	T-V	S	Efficient in-sump model - requires Ocean Runner pump (sold separately)
Turboflotor 1000 Multi	T-V	FS; S; HOT; HOS	Versatile and efficient premium skimmer
60-220 Gallons
SeaClone	T-V	HOT; HOS; S	Easy-to-install protein skimmer great for smaller aquariums
Skilter Filters	V	HOT	Hang-on protein skimmer and power filter in one
Visi-Jet	T-V	I	Built-in flow meter to monitor skimmer performance
Bak-Pak 2	T	HOT; HOS	Protein skimmer and biological filtration combo
Bak-Pak 2R+	T	HOT; HOS	Improved design for reef aquariums
Prizm Deluxe	T	HOT; S; HOS	Filter media basket for supplementary filtration
Coralife Super Skimmer	T-V	HOT; S	Patented needle-wheel system with aspirating Venturi
Fission Nano Skimmer	A	I	World's smallest protein skimmer

Trusted Online Vendors for Protein Skimmer

There are tons of aquarium stores on and off the internet where you can get protein skimmers. If you're looking for the best bargains online items, only a handful of online stores are really worth your time and effort.

ThatFishPlace.com: Aquarium supplies
up to 60% off retail

Fish.com: Excellent Prices, Same Day Shipping
98% of items in Stock

Big Als Aquarium Services: Great selection of best bargain prices on fish supplies, fish tanks, aquarium stands, and aquarium accessories.

Saltwaterfish.com: Another great source for salt water fish and marine life needs.

PetSmart.com: Shop for Fish products