K1-200 Protein Skimmer - IceCap

The IceCap K1-200 is a mid-to-large capacity in-sump protein skimmer built for marine systems running 150 to 300 gallons, with the upper end of that range reserved for lightly stocked systems. Its construction centers on marine-grade PVC and high-clarity acrylic throughout, with every component selected for long-term saltwater compatibility. The skimmer is designed from the ground up to address common shortcomings in competing designs: noisy output, difficult maintenance access, and oversized footprints that dominate limited sump space.

The defining physical feature of the K1-200 is its curved "beer bottle" reaction chamber. Rather than a straight-walled tube, the tapered profile slows and steadies the rising air-water column, giving bubbles more time to collect organics before reaching the collection cup. Positioned lower in the reaction chamber, a dedicated bubble dispersing chamber provides multi-stage diffusion and additional contact time, which translates to drier, more consistent skimmate under varying load conditions.

The EVair 900 pinwheel pump sits at the core of the system. It draws 900 lph of air and moves roughly 250 gph of water at a draw of 36 watts. The pump body features a grip-and-twist locking mechanism that provides tool-free access to the pinwheel impeller for cleaning. The pipeless output design replaces the conventional standpipe or elbow with a side-exiting submerged valve, which eliminates splash noise in the sump and reduces the overall component count inside the skimmer body.

Installation requires a sump water height between 7 and 9 inches, and the unit is designed exclusively for in-sump use. The total assembled height is 22 inches, with an 8-inch skimmer body diameter and a footprint of 10.23" × 8.5". Those planning a new build or retrofitting an existing sump should verify both the water height range and the available footprint before ordering. IceCap backs the K1-200 with a one-year warranty on both the pump and skimmer body.