9 best saltwater skimmers

A saltwater skimmer, also known as a protein skimmer or foam fractionator, is an essential piece of equipment used in marine and reef aquariums.It plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality by removing organic compounds, proteins, and other contaminants from the aquarium water. Here's what you need to know about saltwater skimmers:

  1. Purpose: The primary purpose of a saltwater skimmer is to remove dissolved and particulate organic waste from the aquarium water. This includes fish waste, uneaten food, and other organic materials that can lead to the accumulation of harmful compounds like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

  2. How It Works: A saltwater skimmer operates by creating fine bubbles in a column of water, typically using a venturi valve or a needle wheel impeller. These bubbles rise through the water and come into contact with organic molecules, which then adhere to the bubble surfaces. As the bubbles reach the top of the skimmer, they form a foam or froth that collects the organic waste. This foam is then removed from the aquarium, effectively eliminating contaminants.

  3. Types of Skimmers: There are various types of saltwater skimmers available, including in-sump skimmers, hang-on-back (HOB) skimmers, and external skimmers. The choice of skimmer type depends on the size of your aquarium and your specific setup.

  4. Sizing: It's essential to choose a skimmer that is appropriately sized for your aquarium. Skimmer capacity is usually rated based on the tank's water volume. A skimmer should have a rating that matches or slightly exceeds your tank's volume to ensure effective waste removal.

  5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the skimmer's optimal performance. This includes cleaning the skimmer cup, adjusting the water flow, and replacing any worn-out parts like air stones or impellers.

  6. Benefits: Using a saltwater skimmer offers several benefits, including improved water clarity, reduced nutrient levels, and a healthier environment for marine and reef organisms. It also reduces the frequency of water changes and helps prevent common aquarium problems like algae outbreaks.

  7. Compatibility: Saltwater skimmers are commonly used in marine and reef aquariums due to the high biological load and sensitivity of coral and other invertebrates to water quality. They are less common in freshwater setups, where traditional filtration methods may suffice.

In summary, a saltwater skimmer is a vital component of a marine or reef aquarium filtration system. It helps maintain water quality by efficiently removing organic waste and proteins from the water, providing a healthier and more stable environment for aquatic life in your aquarium. When selecting a skimmer, consider the size of your tank and the specific needs of your aquatic pets to ensure optimal performance.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best saltwater skimmers on the market
  

Instant Ocean SeaClone Protein Skimmer, External Hang-On or In-Sump

Instant Ocean

Based on 650 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Seaclone's exclusive turbo-venturi injector system mixes filtered water and air in the pump impeller chamber, creating a froth of micro-bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency and improved gas exchange. Air and water swirl together in the vortex reaction chamber, creating a powerful tornado effect that rapidly draws dissolved wastes from aquarium water. The spiraling air/water mixture propels protein-laden bubbles upward, where they burst to form a frothy solution.

  • PROTEIN SKIMMER Mini vortex skims and removes dissolved wastes from marine aquariums
  • POWERFUL & EFFICIENT Turbo-Venturi Injector System with Maxi-Jet 1200 pump form protein-laden bubbles
  • VERSATILE INSTALLATION External hang-on or in-sump installation
  • CAPACITY Works with any marine aquarium up to 100 gallons

User questions & answers

Question: Does this skimmer come with a pump
Answer: Yes. comes with a power head and is ready to go out of the box
Question: is this item loud its going in a bed room
Answer: yes it will be loud in bed room you should leave it living room
Question: Does this run on 220v
Answer: No
Question: this hangs on the back of a tank
Answer: Yes. You need about four inches of clearance (the width/depth of the skimmer) behind the tank. Mine is the 150, but I think the only difference between the 100 and the 150 is the length of the tube, not the width/depth of the skimmer. I had to get a replacement because I fried the pump impeller, but both systems have worked well and have not leaked.

Product features

Instant Ocean SeaClone Protein Skimmer, External Hang-On or In-Sump

SeaClone exclusive Turbo-Venturi Injector System mixes filtered water and air in the pump impeller chamber, creating a froth of micro-bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency and improved gas exchange. Air and water swirl together in the Vortex Reaction Chamber, creating a powerful "tornado" effect that rapidly draws dissolved wastes from aquarium water.

  • Protein skimmer that mixes filtered water and air in the pump impeller chamber, creating a froth of micro-bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency and improved gas exchange
  • Spiraling air/water mixture propels protein-laden bubbles upward, where they burst to form a frothy solution
  • Dissolved organic compounds are trapped and contained in the high-capacity collection chamber

Reef Octopus Classic 152-S Protein Skimmer

Reef Octopus

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Reef Octopus Classic 152-S is an in-sump protein skimmer capable of providing powerful filtration for aquariums up to 150 gallons where sump space may be limited. This Reef Octopus Classic Skimmer is constructed of high-quality cast acrylic that disassembles completely for cleaning. Its unique Super Cone "wine glass shape" body naturally stabilizes and concentrates the organic rich foam as it rises producing an enhanced foamation. Fully equipped with a Reef Octopus Aquatrance 1800s pinwheel pump to produce the perfect mix of water and air for optimum waste removal. Super Cone Body Size: 6 to 3.5in Footprint: 10.4in x 8.1in Neck Size: 3.15in Total Height: 20.7in Output Size: 40mm / 1.25in 80=150 gallons

  • Classic 6" Compact Skimmer w/ AQ1800s
  • Dim: 10.4" x 8.1" x 20.7"
  • Rated up to 158gal

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with a controller
Answer: Hi, there is a small switch at the end of the device that is OFF(turn off)-G(motion sensor mode)-ON(always on), Hope this makes sense.
Question: voltage and frequency
Answer: No, charge anywhere, just plug into any charging source that accepts the connection, using huosehold ac just plud cord into your ac adapter.
Question: Voltage and frequency please
Answer: No power adapter is needed it charges by usb plug in and recharges to last up to one week depending on how often you come into are where it’s mounted.
Question: If I have 120 tank and 40 gallon sump what size skimmer do I need? Less than 160 gallons but wanted ppls thoughts
Answer: These are motion sensor lights, turns on when detected human motion within 10 feet in a dark environment, and automatically turns off after 20 seconds if no motion detected.

Coralife Cone Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The advanced cone-shaped design concentrates the foam as it rises, resulting in more efficient skimming. The surface-to-surface interaction between water and air bubbles is maximized lower in the column where the Micro bubbles attach to the organic proteins in your aquarium water. As the bubbles rise, the cone shape naturally concentrates the foam at the top to reduce the amount of water between micro-bubbles. This produces a drier and more productive foam as it reaches the collection cup.

  • Advanced design allows for unrestricted foam flow towards collection cup
  • Powerful, yet quiet internal pump reduces footprint
  • Large Neck for efficient foam production and control
  • Patented needle wheel aspiration system uses posi-flow pump
  • For saltwater aquariums up to 75 gallons
  • Effectively removes dissolved organic compounds from reef and saltwater aquarium water

User questions & answers

Question: Can this skimmer be submersible in a sump tank
Answer: They are about the size of a small grape or a dime so not really small. Not sure what size hole you are trying to put them in....
Question: Where, what site, would I find replacement parts for this skimmer
Answer: I bought it for that purpose but did not use for my aquarium. They would have killed my fish. They were all covered in an oily toxic substance that I could never get off. Now just use in my flower bed for decoration. Very disappointed.
Question: how many GPH does the 300 gallon skimmer do
Answer: I did just to be on the safe side you never know what they put on things I just run hot water over them and let them sit for a while them used them I have a plant that only has rocks and water and have used these rocks for over a year and they work great even had to replant it because it has grown
Question: can it be used as a hang on the back
Answer: .5 cubic feet

Macro Aqua M-60 Hang-on External Protein Skimmer, 120 Gallon

Macro Aqua

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Macro Aqua M-60 Hang-on Protein Skimmer is for up to 120 gallon aquariums (depends on stocking). This protein skimmer will effectively eliminate organic waste. The M-60 operates easily. The collection cup can be removed easily to dispose waste. This beautiful skimmer will surely please your tank.

  • High quality protein skimmer for up to 120 gallon tank (depends on stocking)
  • Big hang-on back filter; Water Flow: 320gph; Air Flow Rate: 80gph
  • Effectively eliminates organic waste. Simply remove the collection cup to dispose tank waste
  • Easy to install and operate
  • Needle-to-wheel impeller - increases air to water contact

User questions & answers

Question: v or 220v
Answer: 110v
Question: HI ,could you please tell me that what the dimension of 120 gallon aqurium please
Answer: There usually 6 feet long 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall
Question: How far away from the wall should the tank be ? how much room does it need
Answer: Roughly 7-9 inches to give enough space for the skimmer to also be separated from the wall by about an inch orso
Question: Has anyone had good luck with this skimmer? I like the style of this skimmer but have read mix reviews. Is it a bad skimmer or just operator error
Answer: Yes I had this model for about 2 years and it woks great,

Product features

Macro Aqua M-60
The Macro Aqua M-60 is one of a kind.

Macro Aqua protein skimmers boast performance and easy installation. It is designed with simplicity in mind to satisfy the skimming needs of saltwater aquarium hobbyists. Included pump features a needle-wheel impeller that vigorously mixes air and water to create a flurry of waste-removing bubbles. Improves water quality and oxygen level in saltwater aquariums. Removable collection cup allows convenient skimmer maintenance and disposal of collected waste material. Adjustment knob fine-tunes water level within the protein skimmer reaction chamber for optimal performance. Quality acrylic construction. Recommended for 50 - 120 gallons aquarium. 300L of air draw with 11W of power used.

Simplicity 120DC Protein Skimmer

Simplicity

Based on 46 reviews Check latest price
  • Adjustable DC pump speed
  • For tanks up to 120 gallons
  • Cone shape design
  • Collection cup drain with cap
  • 3 year pro-rated warranty: 100% coverage first year 50% coverage second year 25% coverage third year

User questions & answers

Question: has anyone had to build a stand for this skimmer
Answer: it fit under mine , yet the top kept coming off so we just stopped using it
Question: Does the 120DC Skimmer include a controller
Answer: Yes, the air pump is included!
Question: For the power supply, how many amps is it rated for
Answer: Yes, it will. The skimmer is designed to work with BioCube units; however, it includes a hanging clip that allows easy positioning for standard saltwater aquariums up to 32 gallons in size.
Question: How tall is it fully assembled? i have a total of 20 inches available
Answer: to be honest throw it into the garbage ours worked but when it started to bubble the top would come off allowing all that garbage back into the tank no matter the setting as long as there was bubbles it would come off with in a hour or two

Product features

USA Support

Our products come with unlimited lifetime support based in the U.S.A.

Simplicity

All of our products are vetted to be S.E.A.-worthy. That is simple • effective • affordable. We offer high-quality products that cost less than most of the leading brands.

Our Promise

It’s simple. We promise to be there when you need us.

IceCap K1-Nano Protein Skimmer

IceCap

Based on 161 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The IceCap K1 Nano is a remarkably compact skimmer that offers a new level of refined filtration for marine aquariums ranging from 10 to 30 gallons. All aspects of the skimmer were implemented to surpass many challenges other skimmers on the market misses out on. Included magnet mount allows for easy placement on surfaces up to 1/2in thick. Master crafted from robust PVC and high-quality acrylic. All components are marine safe and refined in every aspect to provide the latest enhancements in foam fractionation and the highest in quality. An impressively compact footprint makes it the ideal candidate for tight compartment applications. Every aspect of the skimmer disassembles completely for easy service. At the Core of the IceCap K1, you will find the DCair 200 skimmer pump built to provide efficient performance. The pipeless output offers fine-tuning and trouble-free underwater outflow plus quiet operation. Our pipeless design not only saves on space but also allows the outgoing water to exit on the side of the skimmer and below the water surface providing splash-free circulation in the sump.

  • Magnet Mount
  • Solid PVC & Acrylic Construction
  • Bubble Dispersant Chamber
  • Pipeless Output Valve
  • In-Sump Installation Only

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit in the nuvo 30l by innovative marine
Answer: Yes, compatible with 0519 fountain pens.
Question: Will this work in the skimmer compartment on an im fusion
Answer: No, we would not recommend it for turtles. Turtles are best kept in a tank with a bare bottom, large driftwood and large, natural rocks. Gravel and accent pieces like these can choke them or become impacted.
Question: Is this too small for 45gal AIO
Answer: Thanks for asking a question about this product, 91TA! The only colors we sell this in currently are here on Amazon, and provided on the product page.
Question: Can someone please tell me the dimensions? I am not 100% convinced about the ones here at the website
Answer: Not many id say about 20 and they don't glo as much either

Fluval Sea Mini Protein Skimmer, 5-10 Gallon, Black, 14324

Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.

Based on 260 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Compact yet powerful, the PS2 Protein Skimmer helps remove dissolved organic compounds and other harmful substances from your Nano aquarium before they have a chance to break down into dangerous waste. This Protein Skimmer was designed for saltwater aquariums between 5 and 20 US Gal (20 and 80 L).

  • 32 needle-wheel impeller increases air-to-water contact ratio, creating ideal bubble size for maximum protein collection
  • Adjustable flow regulators control amount of air entering reaction chamber to produce perfect amount of "skimmate"
  • Adjustable water-level control valve regulates skimming performance
  • Versatile mounting options - adjustable hanging bracket and suction cups included
  • Large reaction chamber mixes air and water effectively to remove organic waste from water molecules

User questions & answers

Question: I have fruval evo 13.5 with media basket in the 1st chamber. Will the skimmer fit in the the 2nd chamber
Answer: Been using them for years and never had a problem. Sorry you are having difficulty, guess you should just stick with plain black or blue.
Question: Does it fit the Fluval Flex
Answer: It's a dark blue, very close to black. Like you, I really have to focus to tell the difference between black and this blue. I wish it were more like a navy blue or even a shade or two less dark than that.
Question: Why does it say that it ships within 1-2 months
Answer: No they will not fit
Question: Can it fit in a 32 biocube
Answer: Cross pens are known for being slender, so I can well imagine that you have to use their own cartridges--at least at the beginning. Once you have the cartridge, though, you can refill them with any other fountain ink you like. I'm diabetic, so I would load a spent syringe with the ink of my choice to inject into the empty Cross cartridge. The cartridge I use is 8920.

Fluval Sea CP1 Circulation Pump for Aquarium

Fluval

Based on 815 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fluval Sea Circulation Pumps space saving size and innovative design provides many outstanding benefits: it minimizes tank intrusion, improves energy efficiency and delivers a smooth broad stream of ocean-like current. Unlike other pumps, this efficient circulation pump broadcasts output to assist corals with a gentle, indirect current. Fluval CP-Series circulation pumps provide a wide, gentle stream to simulate natural reef currents that make your tank inhabitants feel at home.

For more fish tank accessories, check out other Fluval products including aquarium filters, aquarium heaters, aquarium air pumps, aquarium lights, aquarium rocks, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium stands. Fluval has a wide variety of products that are perfect for your pet fish to enjoy in any large fish tank, small fish tank, saltwater tank or freshwater tank. Fluval broke onto the aquatic scene in 1975 by introducing the world’s first 3-stage filter with synchronous motor technology – a breakthrough that is still applied in the industry today. Since then, Fluval has built a legacy around this pioneering spirit, relentlessly adapting in a changing world to launch innovative aquarium products that remain at the forefront of technology, and which set the bar in quality, style and functionality. Fluval’s mission is not just about building products that mimic the natural world, but inspiring aquarists of all skill levels to enjoy and respect the hobby for generations to come.

  • Simulates natural reef currents to make your tank inhabitants feel at home
  • Compact-yet-powerful space-saving design minimizes tank intrusion
  • Adjustable 270-degree directional flow for custom currents
  • Secure, flexible mounting for easy installation and repositioning
  • Energy-efficient, European engineered and manufactured circulation pump for use in freshwater and saltwater aquariums up to 15 gallons

User questions & answers

Question: I have tons of big fish and I was wondering if I can use a cp4 model on a 75 gallon tank will it be to munch I got monster fish
Answer: Twist really really hard, preferably not over anything that can stain. Bottle top is really tight.
Question: does is work in 240 v
Answer: I'll have to ask my grandson. We both have fountain pen's, each for different reason's. I'll have to ask him on this one, He ordered it, I did not.
Question: Would this be ok to use in my 25 gallon salt water tank
Answer: Unless you clean the pen out completely, there'll be some inevitable mixing of the inks. However, there's no harm in that. It's just that until the first color is completely gone, you'll be writing in a shifting mix of color. I switch back and forth between blue and black, so it's not a big deal unless I need the other color to begin flowing immediately. Then I rinse the pen out and put the new cartridge in.
Question: I have a 75 gallon tank with really big fish just wondering if I use the cp4 model on a 75 gallon that is 48 inches across 18 tall will that be ok
Answer: Really deep blue/black. It almost black unless you look really close.

SC Aquariums SCA-301 Protein Skimmer, 65 gal

SC Aquariums

Based on 184 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Model number: SCA-301This skimmer is designed to work for salt water tanks up to 65 Gallons of salt water. Collection Cup comes with drain tube. Air Silencer is included. Removable cup for convenient cleaning and maintenance. Skimmer Size: 4.25" L x 7" W x 17" H6 Levels of water flow adjustments A 28watt, 1380 Liter/Hour flow Power Head pump is included. Pump specs: 110-120V/60Hz 28watt, (1380 L/h)1 Year Limited Manufacture Warranty.

  • This skimmer is designed to work for salt water tanks up to 65 Gallons of salt water
  • Air Silencer is included
  • Skimmer Size: 4.25" L x 7" W x 17" H Ideal Water Level is 6 to 7"
  • 1 Year Limited Manufacture Warranty
  • Pump specs: 110-120V/60Hz 28watt, (1380 L/h)

User questions & answers

Question: I have a 30 gallon reef tank now. Also a 75 gallon in storage. Will this work for the 30 gallon now and in the future use it for my 75 gallon
Answer: Sunsun 304? Like a 304 gal tank or? It has it's own pump if that's what you mean I personally have this working on a total of an about 140g aquarium
Question: How much room do you need in the sump for this
Answer: pump inside connects to center tube
Question: will this work on 72 bowfront with 20 gal. sump
Answer: Yes we have it on our 90 gallon tank
Question: What is the foot print size
Answer: Hi, I believe about 7".

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