IceCap K3 150 HOB Protein Skimmer

The IceCap K3 150 HOB Protein Skimmer brings sump-level skimming performance to tanks where a sump is not practical. Hanging directly on the back of the aquarium, it handles systems up to 250 gallons under light bioload, 200 gallons under medium bioload, and 140 gallons under heavy bioload — giving hobbyists a realistic performance baseline rather than an inflated maximum rating.

The skimmer body is constructed from high-quality acrylic and engineered with a low-profile shape that keeps the rear footprint to just 10 inches by 3.5 inches. Despite that compact form, the unit stands 25 inches tall to accommodate a proper reaction chamber and collection cup. The cup drain port measures 8mm ID / 12mm OD, compatible with standard tubing for unattended draining.

Powering the K3 150 is the DCAIR 2.5 pinwheel pump — a controllable, DC-driven unit consuming 16 watts while drawing approximately 900 lph of air and 317 gallons per hour of water. The pinwheel needle-wheel design produces a fine, consistent air-water mix that drives efficient skimmate production. Crucially, the pump is mounted externally rather than submerged, which reduces the amount of heat transferred into the aquarium.

A fish-friendly intake basket is included to prevent livestock from being drawn into the pump housing — a practical detail for systems housing smaller fish or ornamental shrimp. The included DC24V pump controller lets the user dial pump speed up or down without the need for a separate apex or controller module. Setup requires no sump plumbing; the unit clamps to the tank rim and operates independently, making it a straightforward addition to existing systems or a primary skimmer on a new build.