IceCap K3-160 OVP In-Sump Protein Skimmer

The IceCap K3-160 OVP addresses a common trade-off in skimmer design: compact footprint at the expense of performance. By orienting the DCAIR 2.5 pinwheel pump vertically, IceCap positions the water output at the lowest possible point inside the skimmer body. This geometry increases the distance water and air travel together before reaching the collection cup, resulting in longer contact time, reduced turbulence, and a more consistent foam head — benefits that typically require a physically larger skimmer body to achieve.

The DCAIR 2.5 pump draws approximately 900 lph of air and 237 gph of water at rated settings, with power consumption of 16 watts. The included DC controller offers 10 discrete power levels, allowing output to be dialed in to match actual bioload rather than running at full capacity. IceCap rates the skimmer for heavy bioloads up to 125 gallons, medium bioloads up to 175 gallons, and light bioloads up to 250 gallons — realistic figures that account for the real-world impact of stocking density and feeding habits.

Construction is high-quality acrylic throughout. The submerged, pipeless output eliminates the micro-bubble issues associated with traditional pipe-based designs, and the built-in air silencer keeps operating noise low. When it's time for maintenance, the unit disassembles completely — no tools required — giving full access to all wetted surfaces.

For sump placement, plan for a water depth between 7 and 10 inches. The total height of 21.25 inches and 6-inch body diameter require a sump section with adequate clearance above the water line for the collection cup. The 8mm ID cup drain port supports optional auto-drain setups. The K3-160 OVP ships with a 1-year limited warranty through CoralVue.