IceCap K3 100 HOB Protein Skimmer

The IceCap K3 100 HOB Protein Skimmer is designed for hobbyists who need effective skimming without dedicating sump space or sacrificing rear-tank clearance. At just 8.8 by 3.5 inches in footprint and 24 inches tall, the skimmer hangs directly on the aquarium wall and keeps its profile narrow enough for tight cabinet setups. Rated up to 140 gallons under light bioload conditions — and 60 gallons under heavy load — it covers a practical range of reef and fish-only systems.

The core of the K3 100 is the DCAIR 1.0 pinwheel pump, a controllable DC-driven pump that draws roughly 500 liters of air per hour and moves approximately 185.5 gallons of water per hour. The pinwheel needle-wheel design shears incoming air into fine bubbles, producing the dense foam column that efficient protein skimming depends on. Running on only 10 watts, the pump is economical to operate and quiet enough to suit display tank installations.

Because the pump mounts externally rather than inside the skimmer body, heat generated by the motor dissipates into air rather than into your aquarium water — a meaningful advantage for systems where temperature stability is a priority. The included DC24V Skimmer Pump Controller allows you to adjust pump speed at the push of a button, so you can fine-tune skimmate production as your bioload changes over time.

Fit and setup should be straightforward for most standard aquariums. The K3 100 HOB mounts on the tank rim and requires adequate rear clearance for the 24-inch total height. The 8mm ID cup drain port accommodates standard tubing for automatic cup emptying if desired. Before purchasing, confirm your aquarium's rim style and rear clearance accommodate a hang-on skimmer of this size, and match your expected bioload against the tiered capacity ratings to ensure you're not undersizing the skimmer for your system.