Contents
- 1 Best Protein Skimmer in 2021
- 2 Top 9 Best Protein Skimmer
- 2.1 Out Top Picks
- 2.2 1.Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External, 60 Gallon
- 2.3 2.Marine Color RDC 150
- 2.4 3. Coralife with Pump
- 2.5 4. SCA-302 180 Gallon (in Sump)
- 2.6 5. IOAOI
- 2.7 6. Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver NWB110SSS
- 2.8 7.Simplicity 120DC
- 2.9 8.Reef Octopus Classic 152-S
- 2.10 9.Red Sea Reefer 300
- 3 FAQs for Beginner
- 4 How do I choose a protein skimmer?
- 5 What are the types of protein skimmers?
- 6 What is the best protein skimmer?
Best Protein Skimmer in 2021
- Protein skimmers are not a new concept to work as a device to keep water clean in large aquariums such as big tank, public aquariums, or fish stores. We all know keeping the tanks clean is the ultimate task to maintain the healthy creatures.
- This article would recommend top 9 best protein skimmer for aquarium in 2021 based on the reviews from customers.
- If you are a beginner, please find more general information about skimmers in the FAQs section which comes after the top 9.
Related articles:
Top 9 Best Protein Skimmer
Out Top Picks
1.Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External, 60 Gallon
Rating: 3.8/5 stars
- If you are looking for a reasonable price protein skimmer that works, the Macro Aqua M-50 is the perfect option for you! Compared to all other low-price skimmers, this device stands out on the market.
- High quality protein skimmer for up to 60 gallon tank (depends on stocking)
- Small hang-on back skimmer; Water Flow: 238gph
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 13.5 inches
- Tank size: 60 gallons
- Air Silencer: no
- Sump type: Hang-on back
- Warranty: no
The Macro Aqua differs from these as it uses a needle wheel pump to run the protein skimmer.
What you get is a wet skimmate production, but that is adequate for many smaller systems. The price really can’t be beat unless you start making some huge sacrifices in quality or function.
If you are people who are really sensitive in noise, the loud sounds operating may become the deal breaker. However, with a good price like this, if you don’t mind the noise thing, the Macro Aqua M-50 is far too good for you.
- Affordable price
- Needle wheel skimmer available
- Loud noise when operating
2.Marine Color RDC 150
Rating: 3.8/5 stars
- The Marine Color RDC 150 Protein Skimmer comes with a slim and compact design. This brings the fashionable outlook to your aquarium with a affordable price.
- Fashionable design: All skimmer is built with high quality RED and white pipe fittings
- High Efficiency pin wheel pump
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.01 x 9.8 x 3.9 inches
- Aquarium size: 15-40 Gallon
To create the fashionable design, Marine Color RDC 150 protein skimmers are built with high quality RED and white pipe fittings.
You would love th high Efficiency pin wheel pump with complete standard cone reaction chamber designs make the skimmer collects bubble smoothly and stable.
All materials are made of high quality CAST ACRYLIC. And our professional laser engraving machine ensures the reliable quality and accuracy of every skimmer.
- Well-done and consistent performance
- Mount inside your aquarium - any overflow stays within
- Plug-and-play feature
- Compact and stylish design
- Easy to lose O-rings when making adjustments
3. Coralife with Pump
Rating: 3.9/5
- The addition of patented wheel aspiration system in Coralife makes it become one of the best protein skimmers on the market theseday.
- Patented needle wheel aspiration system
- Wide neck collection cup with easy twist feature for effortless cleaning
Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 7.87 inches (220 Gallons)
- Tank size: 65 gallons/125 gallons/220 gallons
- Pump specs: 120V
- Patented needle wheel
- Sump type: in sump and hang-on
- Skimmer Warranty: 1 year
Coralife Super device is made to either be put inside or hung it off the back of your aquarium. This versatile design skimmer provides you more option in placing the device as a way to calculate and save space for your house.
The patented wheel aspiration system is another strong point. The skimmer dual-injection inlets is integrated to maximize the amount of time in which the aquarium water will get in contact with the generated air bubbles through pump. Moreover, the wide neck collection cup with easy twist feature for effortless cleaning This means more waste is dissolved and cleanning the tank is much easier for you.
This model comes up with 3 aquarium size capacity: 65, 125, and 220 gallons for your preferences.
- Super high capacity
- Powerful pump
- Easy to mount
- Energy efficiency
- Long lasting
- Inadequate assembly instructions
4. SCA-302 180 Gallon (in Sump)
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- The SCA-302 180 Gallon Protein Skimmer is the the newer model to the 301 model – one of the best protein skimmers on the market. The brand has upgraded this with more superior features compared to the former version.
- Work with heavy load 180 gallon saltwater aquarium
- compact size - fit most sump
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9 x 18 x 9.5 inches
- Tank size: 180 gallons
- Pump specs: Atman 2000 pump
- Silencer and extra large collection cup
- Sump type: in sump
- Warranty: 1 year
With the powerful Atman 2000 pump, it delivers great bubbles for dissolving the organic matter present in the aquarium water. As a result, this skimmer would get the water looking clear in less time.
Next, the size and capacity are the big improvement. As much as it might look compact, this device can work great for different tanks of up to 180 gallons.
This latter model comes with a silencer that keeps the device working quietly without causing a lot of noise in your house. Moreover, the model further features a larger collection cup for users’ convenience when cleaning the aquarium.
- High productivity for the large capacity aquarium
- Strong pump
- Easy assembly
- Large collection cup
- The water look cloudy because of micro bubbles
5. IOAOI
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- IOAOI Protein Skimmers is one of the best option with a reasonable price. Sturdy, stylish design with the silencer application would improve your experience when using this skimmer a lot.
- The IOAOI protein skimmer is equipped with an LED controller. The operation and the status could been seen easily. The water flow of the pump could be adjusted as required. And there are 20 gears, the power consumption of which is from 4W to 23W.
- Patented needle shaped diversion plate helps to generate much richer bubbles. Better reaction. And it could prevent the bubbles/foam from returning, and could also provide long contact time between water and air, which makes the protein skimmer obtain better performance.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.06 x 6.89 x 20.08 inches
- Tank size: 210 Gallons
- Sump type: In sump
- Pump specs: 20W | 120-240V~50/60Hz
- Air Silencer: yes
- Warranty: one year for the pump and controller; two year for skimmer
The IOAOI protein skimmer is equipped with an LED controller. The operation and the status could been seen easily from outside the aquarium. The water flow of the pump could be adjusted as required. And there are 20 gears, the power consumption of which is from 1W to 20W.
Patented needle shaped diversion plate helps to generate much richer bubbles for better reaction. And it could prevent the bubbles/foam from returning, and could also provide long contact time between water and air in the aquarium, which makes the product obtain better performance.
20W pinwheel DC water pump of this skimmer adopts advanced frequency conversion technology, high efficiency and energy saving. The ultra quiet and multi-gear adjustment are adding more helpful features.
Constructed of high-quality cast acrylic to guarantee long life with your aquarium. For in sump use only. The pump and the controller have warranty for one year. The skimmer has warranty for two years. Free replacement.
- LED controller
- Durable material
- Quiet operating
- Good performance for reasonable price
- A bit tricky assembly instruction
6. Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver NWB110SSS
Rating: 4.4/5 stars
- The compact and simple design of this Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer is best for anyone who are looking for skimmers for tight space.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 21.5 x 10.39 x 7.91 inches
- Aquarium size: up to 100 gallons
- Pump specs: Information Aquatrance 1000s Pinwheel Pump
- Warranty: 2 year warranty on pump/1 year on rotor and 1 year on skimmer body
Not only this skimmer comes with compact design, it can be disassembled completely for easier cleaning up. This make sure you keep the skimmers clean and your aquarium water clean as well.
With the Aquatrance pinwheel pump, this product provides the right amount of air and water. As a result you can get more waste out of the tank for healthier environment.
You don’t need to use a pump as, this Reef Octopus Classic 110 protein skimmer draw the water directly from the filtration sump.
- Compact design to save space
- Excellent efficiency
- Silent operation
- No vibrations because of rubber feet
- Touchy adjustments
- Takes time to start pulling skimmate
7.Simplicity 120DC
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- The name of the brand shows how their products are design – simple is the best. Simplicity 120DC Protein Skimmer has an effective and simple set-up for easy assembly. The combination of a needle wheel and a controllable DC pump is the best method to shred water and air to create better quality bubbles for your aquarium.
- Adjustable DC pump speed
- For tanks up to 120 gallons
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.3 x 18.5 inches
- Aquarium size: 120 gallons
- Adjustable DC pump speed
- 3 year pro-rated warranty: 100% coverage first year; 50% coverage second year; 25% coverage third year
With the Simplicity 120DC you are provided with an air-intake adjuster, wedge pipe indicator, bubble plate, and the controllable pump as well. This is a full combo of what you need for skimmer system. One of the best Protein skimmers on the market.
The DC pump allows you to adjust the pump speed or turn it off at any time.
The body is made of durable cast acrylic for long-lasting and easy maintenance process.
- Built-in collection cup with drain
- Easy cleaning up and maintenance
- Hybrid cone design to improve contact time
- Long term warranty
- Takes up to five days to break in
8.Reef Octopus Classic 152-S
Rating: 4.7/5 – Amazon’s Choice
- Reef Octopus Classic Skimmers have been been a reliable brand for a very long time. This is one of the newest protein skimmers in the classic model.
- Classic 6" Compact Skimmer w/ AQ1800s
- Dim: 10.4" x 8.1" x 20.7"
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.4″ x 8.1″ x 20.7″
- Aquarium size: 150 gallons
- Pump specs: 11W @120V
- Sump type: in sump
- Warranty: 2 year
Reef Octopus Classic supports customers with a 2 year warranty versus your typical 1 year warranty. The also have a Reef Octopus Classic Space Saver model for those with small aquarium.
This Reef Octopus Classic Skimmer is constructed of high-quality cast acrylic that disassembles completely for cleaning. Its unique Super Cone “wine glass shape” body naturally stabilizes and concentrates the organic rich foam as it rises producing an enhanced foamation. This device is fully equipped with a Reef Octopus Aquatrance 1800s pinwheel pump to produce the perfect mix of water and air for optimum waste removal.
- Respected Reef Octopus name and quality
- Skimmer pump is designed specifically for the skimmer
- 2 year warranty
- Easy to clean
- Relatively high price
Check out more aquarium essentials here!
9.Red Sea Reefer 300
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- The high-performance Red Sea Reefer 300 Protein Skimmer features a combination of a PSK pump with a proportionally sized venturi, bubble diffusor and reaction body that optimizes air-water contact time for steady waste removal.
- The high-performance Red Sea Reefer 300 Protein Skimmer features a combination of a PSK pump with a proportionally sized venturi, bubble diffusor and reaction body that optimizes air-water contact time for steady waste removal.
- Designed with hobbyists needs in mind, the Reefer Skimmers are really quiet thanks to rubber connectors which dampen the vibrations as well as a robust air silencer. It features the FoamView window, built-in neck cleaner and extra-long valved waste tube.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.1″ X 8.3″ or 9.8″ X 7.1″
- Aquarium size: up to 240 gallons
- Air silencer: yes
- Pump specs: PSK 600 Pump
- Sump type: in sump
The Red Sea Reefer 300 Protein Skimmer is designed with hobbyists needs in mind, the Reefer Skimmers are really quiet thanks to rubber connectors which dampen the vibrations as well as a robust air silencer. The skimmer comes with the FoamView window, built-in neck cleaner and extra-long valved waste tube.
This skimmer includes Sicce PSK 600 Pump. Ergonomic diffusion chamber evenly disperses the fine bubbles created by the PSK pump across the skimmer cone, without reducing air or water flow. The device comes with built-in manual neck cleaner and drainage port with 1m valved hose.
The footprint can either be 9.1″ X 8.3″ or 9.8″ X 7.1″ (the base is moveable). Recommended water height: 6-8″.
- Effective performance
- Silent
- Easy set up
- Take up footprint
FAQs for Beginner
What is Protein Skimmer?
- Protein Skimmers are devices to keep the saltwater aquarium clean by removing dissolved organic compounds and organic waste, such as fish excrement, undigested food, and proteins.
How does protein skimmer work?
- The device works based on the theory of intrinsic charges of proteins and hydrophobic/hydrophilic molecules.
- To simplify this, the device will create thousands on micro bubbles into the water column. The dissolved organic compounds go with these bubbles, which then overflow into a waste container – collection cup as foam at the top of the skimmer.
- Because the output is something that look like “skim” so people call it “skimmer”.
How do I choose a protein skimmer?
- We suggest you go through these step to choose the best protein skimmer for your saltwater aquarium.
Step 1: Check your aquarium size
- Generally, the bigger tank release more waste which requires you to invest in larger skimmers. Check your aquarium size and consider if you would like to upgrade to a bigger tank in short time.
- Besides the physical size of the tank, take into account the intensity of creatures living in. The more inhabitants inside, your tank would have more bioload. You can measure this by the intensity of fish and their size.
Step 2: Check the space to place your skimmer
- Make sure your chosen skimmers can fit within the available space. You can consider more options for the type of skimmer to place them in the way that suit you most. (check out the types below)
Step 3: Set your budget
- To avoid being lost among hundreds of options and overpay, you should set the acceptable price range beforehand. The price can vary because of the factors like features (DC pump, water adjustment, controlling bubbles size, silencer, … ), durability, and brand name of the manufacture.
What are the types of protein skimmers?
Hang On Back type (Hob)
- Hand On Back protein skimmer for anyone who are lacking in sump or room behind their aquarium.
- Note that, the hobs on the market are generally more expensive as the design. Therefore, it should be the last choice if you really cannot arrange a place for them.
- With a relatively low price, it’s quite rare to find a well-made and high quality hand on back protein skimmer.
In-tank type
- In-tank is the basic type of the protein skimmer but has improved significantly over the years.
- The similarity of hang on back and in-tank type are the lack of power and effectiveness compared to the in sump type.
- They are the cheapest type. This makes it the perfect choice for reefers who have tight budgets. However, the deal breaker of this type is their foot print inside your tank. A lot of people refuse to use in-tank because they don’t want a machine to exist inside of the beautiful scenary.
In-Sump type
- We save the best for last, In sump ones are rated as the most effective and common type on the market.
- If you can have chance to save up, we would suggest you to purchase a set of in sump skimmer which is so helpful in removeing waste. The benefit of a sump is extra space, water volume, and biological filtration. Moreover, a sump allows you to purchase any sort of Skimmer you desire!
- As the option for in sump type is deverse, the price is ranging from medium to high. You can have more option to consider with this type.
What is the best protein skimmer?
- Based on the customer reviews after they purchased and used the skimmers, we sum up every thing to point out the best protein skimmer – IOAOI Brand (our number 5).
- This option may not be the best price – the cheapest one on our list, but it provides you with anything. Almost all customer leave positive feedback on how surprised they were when using.
- The IOAOI protein skimmer is equipped with an LED controller. The operation and the status could been seen easily. The water flow of the pump could be adjusted as required. And there are 20 gears, the power consumption of which is from 4W to 23W.
- Patented needle shaped diversion plate helps to generate much richer bubbles. Better reaction. And it could prevent the bubbles/foam from returning, and could also provide long contact time between water and air, which makes the protein skimmer obtain better performance.
Is a bigger protein skimmer better?
- The answer is: “Bigger doesn’t mean better”
- Check the recommended aquarium size from the brand information to choose the one just right for you. We would simply break down the reasons for this.
- The bigger the skimmer, the wider the neck size is. And with a too wide skimmer neck, more proteins and waste are required to create a stable foam head.
- However, with a smaller (than recommended) tank, there would not be enough waste and protein for this process. This results in the ineffective performance of your protein skimmers. We believe nobody wants to lose money this way!
- After going through our top 9 best protein skimmers in 2021 and FAQs, we hope you now have a lot more information on how to choose the best devices for your aquarium.
- If you find this article helpful, don’t forget to give it 5 stars and share with friends and family who may need it!
- Feel free to comment below if your have further questions, we are happy to discuss more topics in the future.
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Further reading:
Aquarium Fish Species by Common Name
