K3-100 Protein Skimmer - IceCap

The IceCap K3-100 INT is a purpose-built in-sump protein skimmer aimed at reef and fish-only systems up to 80 gallons. Where many entry-to-mid-level skimmers rely on fixed-speed pumps and offer little flexibility, the K3-100 INT pairs a high-quality acrylic body with the DCAIR 1.0 pinwheel pump — a DC-driven unit that allows on-the-fly adjustment across 10 discrete power levels. That range lets the skimmer adapt as bioload changes, whether during tank cycling, heavy feeding periods, or a coral-heavy mature system.

The integrated DC24V pump controller is central to the skimmer's usability. Beyond power adjustment, it includes a feed mode timer that temporarily suspends skimming during feeding — a small but practical feature that reduces microbubble injection and skimmate dilution from food particles. The pinwheel impeller design maximizes air-water contact, with the pump drawing approximately 500 lph of air and moving around 158.5 gph of water at rated conditions.

The K3-100 INT is designed with a submerged pipeless output that eliminates the noise and microbubble issues common to traditional overflow drain designs. Operation is quiet, and the physical footprint — 4.7" x 6.3" at the base with a 19" total height — keeps sump real estate usage low. Optimal performance is achieved at a water depth of 6–8 inches, which fits most standard sump configurations.

This skimmer suits hobbyists running lightly to moderately stocked systems who want DC pump control without stepping up to a larger or more expensive unit. As with any protein skimmer, matching the skimmer's bioload rating to the actual demands of the tank will determine long-term performance. Heavily stocked systems or those with large fish loads near the upper end of the rated volume may benefit from a higher-rated model.