12 best protein skimmer pumps
A protein skimmer pump is a crucial component of a protein skimmer, which is an essential piece of equipment in marine and reef aquariums. Protein skimmers, also known as foam fractionators, help maintain good water quality by removing organic waste and other impurities from the aquarium water. Here's what you need to know about protein skimmer pumps:
Function: The primary function of a protein skimmer pump is to create a frothy mixture of water and air inside the skimmer chamber. This froth, also known as "skimmate," traps and removes dissolved organic compounds, proteins, and other pollutants from the water, preventing them from breaking down and polluting the aquarium.
Design: Protein skimmer pumps are specially designed to generate fine bubbles and maintain the right water-to-air ratio within the skimmer chamber. This produces a stable and efficient foam for waste removal.
Placement: Protein skimmer pumps are typically placed within the skimmer body or chamber. They draw in water from the aquarium and mix it with air to create the foam. The foam rises into a collection cup, where the concentrated waste is collected and removed from the system.
Flow Rate: The flow rate of the pump should be matched to the size and design of the protein skimmer.Different skimmers have varying requirements for water circulation and air mixing, so it's essential to choose a pump that complements the specific skimmer model.
Pump Types: There are various types of pumps used in protein skimmers, including:
Needle Wheel Pumps: These are commonly used in modern protein skimmers. They have a rotor with needles or impellers that create fine bubbles when they spin.
Venturi Pumps: These pumps use a venturi valve to draw air into the water stream, creating a mix of water and air bubbles for skimmate production.
Air Stone Pumps: Older protein skimmer models may use air stones to create bubbles. However, these are less efficient than needle wheel or venturi pumps.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the protein skimmer pump is essential. This includes cleaning the pump, checking for clogs, and ensuring that it operates smoothly. Any blockages or malfunctions can affect the skimmer's efficiency.
Sizing: Choosing the right-sized pump for your protein skimmer is crucial. An undersized or oversized pump can lead to inefficient skimming and may not effectively remove waste from the water.
Compatibility: When replacing a protein skimmer pump or upgrading your skimmer, make sure the new pump is compatible with your skimmer's design and specifications. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for pump options.
Protein skimmers are valuable tools in maintaining the water quality of marine and reef aquariums by removing organic compounds that can lead to water pollution and negatively impact the health of aquatic life. Choosing the right protein skimmer pump and maintaining it properly is essential for the skimmer's effectiveness in keeping your aquarium water clean and clear.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best protein skimmer pumps on the market- 【Specifications】Dimensions: 4.1*2.6*3.5inch. The 5ft long power cord offers convenient installation. An Adjustable Knob to control the water flow rate, so you can get just the amount of water pressure you want. Max Flow Rate: 800 GPH (3000L/H), Max Lift height: up to 10 Feet. Watt: 24W; Voltage:110-120V.
- 【Detachable & Cleanable】This profile size water pump is easy to hide or disguise.The device doesn't need any tools to disassemble it and is very easy to be cleaned.
- 【Optional Outlet Positions】Place the pump flat on its base, and you can get many positions. Manually rotate into the desired position.
- 【Wide Application】: High Performance Energy-efficient Pumps designed for use in Ponds, Fountains, Waterfalls, Hydroponic systems, Irrigation systems and water features.
- 【Warranty】: Super durable & reusable; Comes with 1-Year warranty; Any problems with the item you received, please contact us without hesitation.
User questions & answers
Question: | Can this be used to pump manure tea to garden plants? The tea is made from manure in fine mesh bags which is then placed in fresh water |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | What size tubing should you buy to fit the .74 inch adapter |
Answer: | Can i use 3/4 or 5/8 pvc ? Is there any adapter come with the pump to use pvc? |
Question: | Where exactly is the inlet? If used as a small sump pump, how much water will be left |
Answer: | The inlet is in the middle of the pump, in the front. So, whether you stand it up like it is in the picture or lay it down on its side, you would have at least 1", maybe 2" of water left. Hope this helps. |
Question: | Does it have / need oil or lubricant? Would keg lube work |
Answer: | no need to lube. just plug and run it in water. |
Product features
VIVOSUN 800GPH Water Pump
- This pump can be used in either wet or dry installations and features wet rotor/wet bearing technology for cooler running. Pre-filter screen handles large particles require less maintenance. Designed for fresh water use only.
- Compact design is great for space-saving on your aquariums and fish tanks. Multiple size insert fitting and suction cups included.
3 oulet adapters
Equipped with three nozzles, first one is 0.51inch diameters, second one is 0.62inch, the third one is 0.74inch, providing different water flow effects depending on your needs.
Water control valve
Designed with a adjusting knob, allowing to adjust the water flow rate, the maximal flow rate can be up to 800GPH (3000L/H).
4 suction cups
The 4 suction cups are strong and require no extra tools to secure. You can choose vertical or horizontal fixing according to your needs.
Parameter details
Power: 24W; Voltage: 110-120V
Flow: 3000L/H; Power cord length: 5ft
Working environment temperature: 1-36 °C
Product description
The new and improved rio plus aqua pumps and power heads provide versatile water pump system designed with high efficiency and reliability at lower cost. Designed with next generation magnetic-rotor technology, the rio plus aqua pumps and power heads offer the best high-performance solution in the aquarium industry. The largest and most powerful models provide excellent performance within wet or dry filters and in venturi protein skimmers when high pressure and flow rates are needed. Reliable and quiet, rio plus aqua pumps and power heads do not use oil to operate so they cannot contaminate the aquatic environment. A full range of rio plus aqua pumps and power heads, designed to work in a variety of aquatic environments, gives hobbyists superior selection with competitive price.
- Fully Submersible
- Energy Efficient With High Flow Rates
- For Fresh Or Saltwater Aquariums.Clean the impeller, shaft, impeller well cover and air intake elbows with a vinegar water solution
- Protein Skimmer Pump
User questions & answers
Question: | Can I use this for hydroponics |
Answer: | No me los medí por que se veían tan falsos que los devolví inmediatamente. |
Question: | also pump for a fountain- the hose on the fountain is 7/16 inches wide- will that correctly plug over the upper top spiget the water pumps out of |
Answer: | No |
Question: | is the flow rate adjustable |
Answer: | No |
Question: | how big of a skimmer can this power? i have a marineland 300 gallon skimmer body |
Answer: | Suede |
Product description
power: 13W
air intake: 700L/H
can working inside or outside water
venturi tube include
CE EMC Rohs Certification
the pump body size is 7cm*9cm*9cm (not include the base mount and air tube Venturi)
- special design for Protein Skimmer
- needle wheel rotor inside
- come with venturi tube
- lower power high effect
- CE EMC Rohs Certification
User questions & answers
Question: | What size tubing fits on Venturi/air intake? Thanks in advance |
Answer: | Yes...but there are better approaches for that purpose. Look into a Danner pump, ( they are available in a variety of gph sizes, I chose 800 gallons per hour for my needs), and couple that pump with an Oxydoser. The Oxydoser is a device that produces nano bubbles that stay in suspension in the nutrient solution far longer than the bubbles the Rio can produce, (they are bubbles of air so small they are hard to see), and they stay in suspension as they circulate to the roots of your plants. Take advantage of my research and first hand experience and look into these suggestions...you'll be glad you did and learn a lot about oxygenating nutrient solutions for hydroponics. Hope this helps in your quest, Good Luck! |
Question: | How many GPH is this pump |
Answer: | We do not recommend you, there are too many factors can't be controlled. |
Question: | How quiet does this pump run |
Answer: | No and this unit is specifically to run a protein skimmer so you wouldn't want any adjustment. This works great for my old KNOP protein skimmer. It injects lots of tiny bubbles. |
Question: | Is this submersible pump or External pump |
Answer: | Honestly it's not great for that application. I have one running a Coralife 65 gallon Skimmer and it has awful performance. I never really liked my skimmer and I'm soon going to upgrade to something good. As for this pump. Nope it's not going to hack it. |
Product description
Protein skimmer removes certain compounds, including proteins and amino acids found in food particles, by using the polarity of protein itself. Due to their intrinsic charge, water-borne proteins are either repelled or attracted by the air/water interface and these molecule can be described as hydrophilic. A good skimmer pump will generating a large air/water interface, specifically by injecting large numbers of bubbles into the water column. The smaller the bubbles the more effective the protein skimmer is because the surface area of small bubbles occupying the same volume is much greater than the same volume of larger bubbles.
- Atman PH2000 Skimmer Pump With needle wheel impeller produce micro bubble
- AC 110-120V 60Hz 41 Watt Designed for USA and Canada use only
- 2400 LPH or 700 GPH (water flow is different when used as skimmer pump)
- Ideal Replacement pump for most skimmers available in the market now
- Replacement pump for SC Aquariums SCA-302 180 gallon skimmer
User questions & answers
Question: | My current pump is a jebo lifetech 5200 with pinbrush impeller. Its for my skimmer. Can this item replace my current pump |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | would it fit a Bubbla Magus NAC5E as a replacement |
Answer: | No lo recuerdo, creo que 105 dolares |
Question: | What diameter is the needle wheel impeller? The piece with the pins all over it |
Answer: | 27.94cm would be in a size 11, never bought shoes in centimeters but hope this helps. |
Question: | Can you buy just the venturi |
Answer: | I didn’t have any issues. But then again I have had issues with other orders |
Product description
The Coralife Super Skimmer 65G has a high-performance foam fractionator designed with a patented needle-wheel impeller, an aspirating venturi and is effective at removing dissolved organic compounds from water. The needle-wheel system creates a spiraling vortex of water and micro bubbles inside the reaction chamber where the bubbles attract fine proteins and organic compounds and deposit them in the collection cup. This unit is designed for aquariums up to 65 gallons, and adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting or in-sump setup.Large neck for efficient foam production and control
- Patented needle wheel aspiration system
- Wide neck collection cup with easy twist feature for effortless cleaning
- Dual injection inlets increase bubble/water contact time
- Bubble production diffuser to prevent the flow of micro-bubbles into main aquarium
- Can be used in sump or with hang on mounting bracket
- Refer user manual for troubleshooting steps
User questions & answers
Question: | Did you get the model just like the picture (Red and Yellow Box) or the newest model (blue and purple box |
Answer: | I received the blue and purple box. |
Question: | will this be ok on a 55gal tank |
Answer: | Yes, I am using that on my 55 gal tank, sometimes I even turn it off during the day time. |
Question: | I bought this skimmer - 65 gallon version about 6 months ago and now it is not working. Does this have any sort of warranty |
Answer: | I have all of the versions of the coralife super skimmers 65g, 125g, and 220g. I have found first off, they are good skimmers, they do need regular cleaning and maintenance, especially with salt buildup in the air line leading into the pump, salt builds up over time and slowly chokes off the air supply to the needle wheel impeller. I have found the the 65g does require cleaning a little more often than the other models. I hope this helps, clean out the pump, remove and scrub off the impeller being careful not to bend the needle wheel. |
Question: | hello , what is voltage 220 v or 110 v |
Answer: | It was purchased as a gift for use in USA so it is 120V check with manufacture for multi voltage use |
Product features
Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump, 65 Gallon
The Coralife Super Skimmer 65G has a high-performance foam fractionator designed with a patented needle-wheel impeller, an aspirating venturi and is effective at removing dissolved organic compounds from water. The needle-wheel system creates a spiraling vortex of water and micro bubbles inside the reaction chamber where the bubbles attract fine proteins and organic compounds and deposit them in the collection cup. This unit is designed for aquariums up to 65 gallons, and adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting or in-sump setup.
Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump, 125 Gallon
The Coralife 125G Super Skimmer is a high-performance foam fractionator designed with a patented needle-wheel impeller and aspirating venturi. An improved energy saving pump increases the performance of the skimmer without increasing power demand. The needle-wheel system creates a spiraling vortex of water and micro bubbles inside the reaction chamber where the bubbles attract fine proteins and organic compounds and deposit them in the collection cup. The result is a clean and healthy aquarium environment.
Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump, 220 Gallon
The Coralife 220G Super Skimmer With Needle Wheel Water Pump Up To 220 Gallon Tank. Include An Easy Twist Collection Cup Water Level Adjustment Dial and Bubble Production Diffuser. Remove organics from the tank before they break down.
Product description
The Macro Aqua M-50 Hang-on Protein Skimmer is for up to 60 gallon aquariums (depends on stocking). This protein skimmer will effectively eliminate organic waste. The M-50 operates easily, where there will be no need to prime (just plug-and-play). 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 60 gallon tank (depends on stocking)
- Small hang-on back skimmer; Water Flow: 238gph
- Effectively eliminates organic waste. Simply remove the collection cup to dispose tank waste
- Easy to install and operate. No priming required
- Needle-to-wheel impeller - increases air to water contact
User questions & answers
Question: | About how long is the intank part that go in the tank |
Answer: | I’d say it’s Approximately 7-8” deep down inside the tank total. |
Question: | How can I get the overflowing bubbles from the top to stop? I think I have both nobs on the power setting but it still bubbles up and out |
Answer: | Return it mine was working perfectly for about 3 months and then drained about 15 gallons out of my aquarium had to empty aquarium move it dry out all and replace carpet nightmare |
Question: | Can someone give me the total width of the intake and discharge on the back? i need it to fit into an area 4.75" wide |
Answer: | For a fluval edge 12g? I'm looking for the same thing. I've been looking for a year. Considering cutting off the glass top entirely. |
Question: | Does this put out much of a water flow I’m planning to put seahorses in a 5 gallon nano tank and they can’t take much water flow has to be for the qui |
Answer: | No it doesn't, but do not recommend for a 5 gal. Please don't place a seahorse in a 5 gallon. It should be 30 at the least |
Product features
Macro Aqua M-50
The Macro Aqua M-50 is one of the best protein skimmers for saltwater aquariums.
The Macro Aqua M-50 Hang-on Protein Skimmer is for up to 60 gallon aquariums (depends on stocking). This protein skimmer will effectively eliminate organic waste. The M-50 operates easily, where there will be no need to prime (just plug-and-play). The collection cup can be removed easily to dispose waste. This beautiful skimmer will surely please your tank.
Product description
The Sedra 3500 replacement pump is designed to be used with the ASM G-1X and ASM G-2 Protein Skimmer.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it come with the needle wheel impellar |
Answer: | regular 2X4 air tube is ok |
Question: | Does this pump fit the old euro reef rs-100? Some people said it fits their rs-80 and other euro reef skimmers. Thanks |
Answer: | Because it is needle wheel pumpthe air intake (700 liters/H) can descrit the pump working effectthe manufacturer not provide the flow rate parameter |
Question: | what size is the outlet pipe on the top? is it threaded? hoping to make a slip connection to a 1" pvc elbow. does this come with any extra fittings |
Answer: | It's actually really quiet. I have to get with inches of my skimmer to hear it over my return pump |
Question: | Hi, Can someone tell me what the Max Flow is for this pump and wattage? Thanks MC |
Answer: | it is submersible pump |
Product description
Reef octopus pinwheel/needle wheel skimmers provide you with a high performance features in an easy to use package. Better foam production is provided by hailea otp pumps. New pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance. 4 inch cone-neck eases transition from bubbles into collection cup. Easy cleaning is provided by quick-release neck. Gate valve allows for easier water level adjustments. Designed for in sump use only.
- Coral vue octopus 4-inch needle wheel skimmer 100gal
- Reef octopus pinwheel/needle wheel skimmers provide you with a high performance features in an easy to use package
- New pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this work hang on aquarium? I don't have a sump |
Answer: | Hello ER, No this needs to be in a sump and in about 8inch of water. There are some hang on the back skimmers though, just keep looking. |
Question: | Will this fit a Waterbox 35.1 sump |
Answer: | not too sure |
Question: | model number is INT which is installed inside sump but photo is an EXT which is installed outside. Which one is it |
Answer: | No. The photo is a INT. It is a Internal sump protein Skimmer. |
Question: | How deep does the water have to be in the sump |
Answer: | According to the enclosed directions: 180-200 mm/7-7.9 inches for the 110-INT 200-220 mm/7.9-8.7 inches for the 150-INT & 200 INT |
Product description
SICCE is the epitome of high technology for pumps for aquariums, hydroponics, fountains and garden ponds. Since 1974 the company has made innovative research its philosophy for global market presence. A constant stimulus to develop and improve its products has permitted SICCE to confirm its extremely high quality standards all over the world, thanks to its ability and experience in designing and developing its own technology.
- Power: 60 Watts
- Frequency: 110-120v 60 Hz
- Max Flow Rate: 880 gph
- Comes with Needle Wheel Impeller
User questions & answers
Question: | Is this pump comparable to the old sicce psk |
Answer: | this is a Men's size 11 |
Question: | Wil this fit vertex 180i skimmer |
Answer: | Men's 8.5 |
Question: | Hi its a pinwheel pump |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | Does it work with Redsea reefer 600 skimmer |
Answer: | Yes |
Product description
Cost effective octopus protein skimmer pumps provide exceptional performance at an economical price. Direct replacement pumps for newer reef octopus classic protein skimmers modified with large grey threaded outputs.
- Power consumption: 35watts
- Air draw: 880 lph / 31scfh*
- Water draw: 211gph
User questions & answers
Question: | AC or 220AC please |
Answer: | Mens |
Question: | anyone knows if this pump is quite? any noise |
Answer: | Just go to Google and type in the tracking number and search it will show up where the item is |
Question: | will this pump work with a hob reef octopus classic 100b? my pump went out, need to replace it |
Answer: | Not sure if they got wardrobe option. |
Question: | This pumps can be under water |
Answer: | The colors and styles here are relatively simple. If you want to buy other styles and colors, you can go to this place,link:bronaxshoes.com |
Product description
Bubble-Magus skimmers are practical and highly efficient. These skimmers offer innovative features along with reliable pumps at an affordable price: which makes them a great value. The Curve 7 skimmer has all the right features to make a great skimmer. These features include: a needle wheel pump with a venture intake that produces just the right amount and size of air bubbles, a bubble plate to reduce the turbulence in the reaction chamber, a innovative `curve` skimmer body that allow the foam to smoothly rise to the collection cup, an air silencer to ensure quiet operation, a quick-release collection cup and skimmer body for easy cleaning, a collection cup drain to reduce maintenance frequency, and lastly, a compact footprint that allows easy installation.
- High performance pump included
- Tanks up to 140 gallons
- SP1000 internal pump
User questions & answers
Question: | What is the length of the warranty, i am considering this or the sca 302. they both will do great for my plans of running medium bio-load in a 100 gal |
Answer: | Be very attentive when you srat it.fill the can before otherwise your electric engine will be severely damaged... |
Question: | I see in the picture there is a red plug covering a hole near the pump. Is the so you can rotate the pump to that position |
Answer: | i ran this on a 30 gallon turtle tank which had a red eared slider (about 8") and 12 - 15 gold fish (snacks for turtle). it kept water nice and clear. |
Question: | Missing a red plug for the base. Can i order that part |
Answer: | Yes, it will filter 40 gallons. However, be sure to watch this filter for a while to ensure that it is properly functioning. Mine stopped sucking water, overheated, caught on fire, and almost burnt my house down. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS FILTER! |
Question: | Curve 5 specs state water level of 9.5"-11". Isn't this a bit high? Other skimmers (such as Reef Octopus) only require 8" minimum |
Answer: | No its way too small. I used it in a 30 gallon tank, cleaned every couple weeks and it over heated and broke. |
Product description
Product model:DCS-1200
Input:100-240V 50/60HZ
Output:DC 24V
Cable Length:1.5m(4.9feet)
Watt:12W
Flow rate:1200LPH(320GPH)
Max lift head:1.5M(4.9feet)
Pump size: 115L*56W*82H mm(4.53L*2.21W*3.23H inch) with intake screen;90L*56W*82H mm(3.54L*2.21W*3.23H inch) without intake screen;
Fitting/Connector OUTSIDE Diameter: 18/15/12MM
Feature:With 8 Speed adjustable controller and with 10 minutes feed function;
Used DC24V energy saving motor ;Can be used as submersible or in-line;
Soft Start Mode: This pump have soft start feature:when power on the pump, the flow will slowly up to full speed in about one minute;
High performance motor with innovative electronics and energy savings up to 50% ;
IC electronic detection, automatic power-off protection upon no water; Motor protection if impeller is blocked;
Super quiet operation ;Can be used in freshwater or saltwater ;
No copper components; Wear resistant ceramic shaft for longer operating life.
Remark:
Jebao New DCS-1200 pump is the upgraded version of the ordiginal DC-1200, ideally used as a circulation pump or used for calcium reactor;
it does not have a wheel impeller,listed pump is supposed to use as a return/circulation pump,
need to change the wheel impeller then can be used in a skimmer.
- Jebao New DCS-1200 pump is the upgraded version of the ordiginal DC-1200, ideally used as a circulation pump or used for calcium reactor;it does not have a wheel impeller,listed pump is supposed to use as a return/circulation pump,need to change the wheel impeller then can be used in a skimmer.
- This new DC pump has 12 W Power Consumption, 1200 Liters per hour Flow rate,1.5M Max lift head
- Jebao DCS1200 has 8 Speed adjustable controller with FEED Mode,Automatic power-off protection upon no water or impeller blocked
- This new DC return pump equiped with high performance DC24V motor with innovative electronics and energy saving up to 50%
- The nano dc pump has Super Quiet Operation ,Can be used in Marine and Fresh Water
User questions & answers
Question: | Can I use this on my 29 gallon tank plus 10 gallon sump |
Answer: | our websitechampionlighting dot com |
Question: | Will this fit in a Waterbox Cube |
Answer: | Yes has needle wheel impellar. |
Question: | Can this be used outside water |
Answer: | It's the same motor and impeller but EuroReef was always changing fittings and sometimes glueing there fittings so it would be difficult to use ASM instead of there EuroReef version pump. So most likely will work, but might have some plumbing changes needed. |
Question: | What is the minimum flowrate of this 1200 pump |
Answer: | top outlet pipe "measures" 1" O.D. BUT it's a 3/4" male slip joint connection. I think the 3/4" 90 degree ell, female x female, came with the pump. The elbow just slips onto the pump top outlet. It provides a tight fit and does NOT need to be glued (solvent welded). The pump is designed to fit a specific model skimmer. If it's the correct match the existing 3/4" female x female 90 degree ell will just slip onto the skimmer connection point giving a tight connection. |
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