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Protein Skimmers

(103 items)

Maintain pristine water quality in your reef tank with our premium selection of protein skimmers. Essential for any marine aquarium, a protein skimmer works by removing organic waste before it has a chance to break down into harmful amounts of nitrates and phosphates, helping to keep your water crystal clear and your marine life healthy. Whether you're setting up a new tank or upgrading your current system, our range of aquarium protein skimmers offers the performance and reliability you need to achieve the best results.

From compact designs perfect for nano tanks to powerful skimmers suited for large reef systems, we carry top brands like Reef Octopus, IceCap, and Tunze, ensuring you find the ideal saltwater protein skimmer for your setup. These skimmers are engineered to efficiently remove dissolved organic compounds, proteins, and other contaminants, making them an essential component of any marine aquarium skimmer system.

Browse our collection of protein skimmers and take control of your aquarium's nutrients and waste.

Top Protein Skimmers

Elite 200SSS Space Saver Super Cone Skimmer
Elite 200SSS Space Saver Super Cone Skimmer
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Regal 200INT 8" Internal Protein Skimmer (VarioS) - Reef Octopus
Regal 200INT 8" Internal Protein Skimmer (VarioS) - Reef Octopus
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Reefer DC 300 Protein Skimmer - Red Sea
Reefer DC 300 Protein Skimmer - Red Sea
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Comline DOC Skimmer 9004 DC - Tunze
Comline DOC Skimmer 9004 DC - Tunze
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Price
Price
$1,24299
$82499
$47500
$25999
Features
Features
Bioload Handling:
- Heavy Bioload: Up to 200 gallons
- Medium Bioload: Up to 300 gallons
- Light Bioload: Up to 400 gallons

Key Features:
- Efficient, quiet, and controllable VarioS-4S pump

- Super Cone body design for reduced turbulence and improved foam concentration

- Solid Cast Acrylic & Machined PVC construction for durability

- "Twist & Lift" Collection Cup for easy removal and cleaning

- Vented Output Valve with an adjustment dial for precise control

- Fully disassemblable for easy maintenance

- Refined Control with 5 adjustable speed settings

- Includes float switch connection for enhanced safety and control

- Two pause/feed modes (15 or 60 minutes) for feeding or maintenance

- 0-10v input allows control via 3rd-party systems like Neptune APEX or Reef Angel

- Slow startup feature for smoother pump operation

- Waterproof union for safer operation and connection flexibility
Bioload Handling:
- Heavy Bioload: Up to 175 gallons
- Medium Bioload: Up to 250 gallons
- Light Bioload: Up to 400 gallons

Key Features:
- VarioS-4 DC controllable pump for optimized performance

- Apex Ready with 3rd-party controller input (0-10V) for advanced control

- Safety overflow float switch for the skimmer cup

- High-quality cast acrylic construction for durability

- Easily disassembled for thorough cleaning and maintenance

- Hybrid cone shape design for better foam fractionation

- High volume air intake for enhanced
skimming efficiency

- Quiet operation and solid construction

- Body drain for easier maintenance

- Detachable controller with waterproof union for safer operation

- Oversized, easily removable collection cup with waste drainage

- 5 preset speeds and multiple feed modes for flexible skimming

- 2-year warranty on the pump body, 1-year warranty on pump rotor (pinwheel impeller), and 1-year warranty on skimmer body
- Rated tank size: 80 gal heavy │ 160 gal medium │ 240 gal light

- Footprint / height: 9.1 × 8.3 in or 9.8 × 7.1 in │ 22.5 in tall (dual-orientation base)

- Pump: Sicce PSK DC-1200 – 20 W │ 265 GPH water │ 500 L/h air

- Smart features: Self-Leveling sensor (prevents overflow), cup-overflow alert, ReefBeat app control via ReefRun Dual Controller*

- Build details: Precise gate valve, silicone feet, twist-lock neck-clean cup, 180 ° rotatable body

- Best for: Quiet, app-enabled nutrient export on 100- to 200-gallon reef sums.
Bioload Handling:
- Heavy Bioload: Up to 20 gallons
- Medium Bioload: Up to 40 gallons
- Light Bioload: Up to 60 gallons

Key Features:
- Small form factor ideal for compact systems

- Available with AC or DC powered pumps for different system requirements

- Flash Skimming principle for efficient protein removal

- Generates large volumes of small bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency

- DC powered pump with controller for enhanced control and tuning ability

- Patented anti-overfoaming system prevents overflow and adjusts based on water level and organic load

- Operates stand-alone without the need for additional equipment (e.g., feed pumps)

- Magnet holder for easy installation on glass up to 1/2" thick

- Quiet operation with bubble-free outgoing water

- Easy-to-remove collection cup for convenient maintenance

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Protein Skimmers

Protein skimmers are a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and thriving marine aquarium. By removing organic waste before it can decompose, these devices help prevent the buildup of harmful substances like nitrates and phosphates.

  • Tip 1: When selecting an aquarium protein skimmer, consider the size of your tank,the bioload (the amount of waste produced by the tank's inhabitants), and the amount of feeding done. Larger tanks, heavily stocked tanks, or more heavily fed tanks will require a more powerful skimmer.
  • Tip 2: Regularly clean and maintain your protein skimmer to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the collection cup and cleaning the skimmer body to prevent buildup.
  • Tip 3: Position your saltwater protein skimmer in a stable area of your sump or tank, where it can receive consistent water flow for efficient skimming.

Expert Tips & Guides

  • Choosing the Right Skimmer: The right marine aquarium skimmer depends on your tank’s size and setup. Nano tanks may benefit from a smaller, more compact skimmer like the K1-Nano Protein Skimmer by IceCap, while larger setups might require something more robust like the Regal 200INT 8" Internal Protein Skimmer by Reef Octopus.
  • Skimmer Placement: Place your protein skimmer in an area with consistent water depth (about 6"-9") for optimal performance. Adjust the skimmer’s height if necessary to ensure the right water level in the skimmer chamber.
  • Maintenance Routines: To keep your aquarium protein skimmer operating efficiently, clean the collection cup regularly and inspect the skimmer body and pump for any blockages or signs of wear.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

  • Installing Your Protein Skimmer: Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing your saltwater protein skimmer. Ensure all connections are secure and that the skimmer is positioned correctly in your sump or tank.
  • Routine Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on your marine aquarium skimmer by cleaning the skimmer body, pump, and air intake. This helps prevent clogging and ensures the skimmer operates at peak efficiency.
  • Adjusting for Optimal Performance: Monitor your skimmer’s performance and make adjustments as needed. If the skimmer is producing too much foam or not enough, adjust the air intake or water level accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a protein skimmer in my reef tank?

Protein skimmers remove dissolved organic compounds from the water before they can break down into ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, or phosphate. By doing this, they reduce the nutrient load on your system, help prevent algae blooms, improve water clarity, and support healthier coral growth. They also reduce strain on biological filtration and improve oxygen exchange.

How do I choose the right protein skimmer for my aquarium?

Start by considering your tank’s total water volume and bioload. A heavily stocked tank or one with frequent feeding will produce more waste, requiring a higher-capacity skimmer. Make sure to also measure your sump or display space to ensure the skimmer fits properly, and check manufacturer guidelines for optimal water depth. We recommend choosing a skimmer rated slightly above your tank size for added efficiency and future flexibility.

How often should I clean my protein skimmer?

Clean the collection cup and neck once or twice a week to maintain peak skimming performance. Every 2–3 months, disassemble and clean the pump and internal components to remove calcium buildup or debris. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your skimmer and ensures consistent performance over time.

Can I use a protein skimmer in a nano tank?

Yes. Many manufacturers offer nano-specific protein skimmers designed to fit tight spaces while still providing effective nutrient export. Models like the IceCap K1-Nano or Tunze Comline are popular for small tanks and provide essential skimming without taking up much room or producing excessive noise.

Where should I place my protein skimmer in the aquarium?

Most protein skimmers are designed to sit in a sump, in a chamber with a stable water level—typically between 6 to 9 inches deep. Some models are made for in-tank use or can be externally mounted, depending on your system layout. Consistent flow and water depth are key for reliable performance, so use an auto top-off system if necessary to avoid fluctuations.