K3-200 OVP Protein Skimmer - IceCap

The IceCap K3-200 OVP addresses a common trade-off in skimmer design: keeping the footprint small without sacrificing contact time or foam stability. The Open Volute Pump configuration orients the pump vertically so its output enters the reaction chamber at the lowest practical point. This lengthens the path air bubbles travel before reaching the surface, increasing the time organic waste has to bind to the bubble column and improving overall skimming efficiency — a result that many compact skimmers with conventionally placed pumps struggle to match.

Driving the skimmer is the DCAIR 6.0 pinwheel DC pump, which draws up to 1,200 lph of air and approximately 352 gph of water at a rated 35 watts. The included DC24V controller provides 10 discrete power levels, letting you tune output to match your system's actual bioload rather than running the pump at a fixed speed. A built-in feed timer allows temporary pump suspension during feeding without requiring manual intervention. A built-in air silencer keeps operating noise low — relevant in living spaces where sump noise is a concern.

The K3-200 OVP is rated for systems up to 400 gallons, though real-world performance is closely tied to bioload. Lightly stocked reef tanks will likely find the skimmer performs well toward the upper end of that range; heavily fed fish-only systems should size toward the lower end. The body is constructed from high-quality acrylic and dismantles completely, making routine maintenance and cup cleaning straightforward.

The skimmer is designed to run in a sump at a water depth of 7–10 inches. Its 10.24" x 8.5" footprint and 22" total height should be confirmed against your sump dimensions before ordering — particularly the height clearance if your sump sits inside a stand with limited vertical space. Cup drain port is 8mm ID / 12mm OD, compatible with standard small-diameter tubing for passive cup drainage.