K1-130 Protein Skimmer - IceCap

The IceCap K1-130 is a purpose-built in-sump protein skimmer designed for reef and marine systems between 80 and 140 gallons. Rather than simply scaling up a generic skimmer body, IceCap engineered the K1-130 around a set of specific performance problems: noisy outflow, difficult servicing, unstable foam columns, and oversized footprints that crowd modern sump compartments. The result is a skimmer that addresses each of those issues through deliberate design choices rather than raw size.

The skimmer body features what IceCap calls a 'Beer Bottle' curve — a tapered reaction chamber profile that naturally calms the rising air-and-water mixture before it enters the collection cup. This geometry promotes more consistent foam without requiring constant manual adjustment. The construction throughout is marine-safe PVC and high-quality acrylic, and the entire unit disassembles completely, making cleaning straightforward rather than something to avoid.

The EVair 400 pinwheel pump sits at the core of the system, consuming 8 watts while drawing approximately 400 lph of air and around 100 gph of water. Its grip-and-twist locking mechanism gives direct access to the pinwheel impeller without tools. A pipeless output design routes exiting water through the side of the skimmer body and below the waterline, eliminating splash noise in the sump and freeing up space that a conventional outlet pipe would otherwise occupy. Below the main reaction zone, a dedicated bubble dispersing chamber provides multi-stage diffusion and adds dwell time that contributes to foam stability.

The K1-130 is an in-sump installation only and requires a water level between 6 and 8 inches in the skimmer section. At 7.3 by 5.6 inches and 19 inches tall, it fits comfortably in most mid-size sump skimmer bays. Bioload ratings should be treated as a guide: a lightly stocked 140-gallon system is a reasonable match, while a heavily fed 80-gallon tank is toward the upper boundary of what this skimmer handles well. The one-year warranty covers both pump and skimmer body under normal operating conditions.