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 ModelTypePlacementSpecial 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.

SCA-302 180 Gallon Protein Skimmer (in Sump) Newest Version by SC Aquariums
SCA-302 180 Gallon Protein Skimmer (in Sump) Newest Version by SC Aquariums
Work with heavy load 180 gallon saltwater aquarium; compact size - fit most sump; Atman 2000 pump needle impeller pump
Marine Color RDC 250 Hanging On Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer 70 Gallon Saltwater Aquarium
Marine Color RDC 250 Hanging On Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer 70 Gallon Saltwater Aquarium
Fashionable design: All skimmer is built with high quality RED and white pipe fittings; High Efficiency pin wheel pump
Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for Aquarium
Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for Aquarium
Coral vue octopus 4-inch needle wheel skimmer 100gal; New pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance
Coralife Biocube Protein Skimmer
Coralife Biocube Protein Skimmer
Simple to set-up, easy to clean; Fits conveniently into built-in filtration system in the back of the BioCube Aquarium
Coral Vue Technology AC20287 Octopus Needle Wheel Skimmer for Aquarium Filter, 6-Inch, 211-Gallon
Coral Vue Technology AC20287 Octopus Needle Wheel Skimmer for Aquarium Filter, 6-Inch, 211-Gallon
Coral vue octopus 6-inch needle wheel skimmer 211gal; New pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance

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