10 Best Protein Skimmers Reviews
If you are using a salty water aquarium, a protein skimmer should be your first choice to clean and purify the water. Protein skimmers tend to work better in a salty water environment than in fresh water ones. When you connect the device to your aquarium, it forms air that passes through the water in your aquarium, to form water bubbles that attract impurities and organic debris. When materials that get attracted to the bubbles later float on the latter and the unit channels them to the tubes where you can pick them up and deposit them in the garbage bin. With such innovation, cleaning your water aquarium has never been easier. Here is a review of the best protein skimmers that you can purchase to start the process of water purification in your aquarium.
Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for AquariumDescription of the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for Aquarium
The unit is designed for aquariums of about 170 gallons. It has a gate valve that controls the entry air and water. It also includes air silencer and a cup which holds all the filtered materials as the process continues.
Features of the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for Aquarium
- Acrylic construction that protects the unit from rusting and other dirt stains that can encourage accumulation and buildup of bacteria which is harmful for your pet. The late allows for easy cleaning.
- Debris cup that you can remove easily to empty all the waste that accumulates inside after the cleaning process. The cup has a quick release mechanism that makes it easy to empty and handle the cleaning process before returning it back for the filtration to take place.
- Venture system that injects air into the pipes: the design allows air to quickly run through the skimmer so that it can attract the unwanted matter form the water and make it flow for it to be deposited to the debris cup.
- Sturdy skimmer body design: that is of hybrid nature cone like shape to support the unit and make it strong even when there is too much debris accumulation in the cup.
- Output valve that controls the flow of water to the pipes to allow for the process of purification.
- 1000s skimmer pump that facilitates the flow of air in to the system for the attraction of the wastes and it also encourages the outflow of the water from the pipes after the purification process if is over
Pros of the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for Aquarium
- Adjustable: the skimmer is easy to adjust according to the preferences of the clients using it
- Energy efficient: the protein skimmers has a way of saving energy through consuming less power and this adds up to the low bills that you pay
- Fast: the device completes the cleaning quickly to leave your aquarium sparkling.
- Easy to clean: the cup is easy to remove and you can clean it in few minutes and later mount it back to the skimmer for the purification process to complete.
- Simple to set up: the skimmer has less complications and everything you need to know about the setting up of the latter is clear and easy to read in the instruction book
- Convenient flow knob that you can control accordingly to let in the flow of air
Cons of the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for Aquarium
- the skimmer takes up a lot of space in your house and it may be suitable to place it outside
- loud: the item makes noise that may turn out to be disturbing for those owning it
- Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB Protein Skimmer
Description of the Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB Protein Skimmer
The unit has a pinwheel pump that helps in pumping in air and mixing it with water to bring high efficiency in the trapping of debris. The high duty materials that make the unit render it usable for a long time. Its pipes are sturdy and worth your money.
Features of the Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB Protein Skimmer
- It has a solid construction that gives it a strong feel to give enough support for the purification process. The strong body also allows for its durability to give you a longer service on your daily routine of aquarium water purification.
- 2 year warranty that gives you the opportunity to contact the seller in case you experience any troubles with the item and you can get a free repair or replacement for your unit. Besides, they offer one year warranty for the body skimmer as it is more vulnerable to damage compared to other materials used in its manufacture
- The pump runs at 9 watts and it draws water at a speed of 350lph/90gph, and this enables it to handle your water purification needs accordingly.
- Surface skimmer that is adjustable: you can adjust and tune the surface of the item depending on the speed of the water purification that you prefer.
- Installation of the unit is based on the hang on back basis: It is easy to install as you only need to connect the pump and mount the unit at the back of your aquarium for the entire process to run efficiently.
Pros of the Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB Protein Skimmer
- Strong pump that works perfectly to control the intake of air into the system for the water purification process to take place.
- The capacity at which the pumps handles the filtration is impressionable and it gives out quick results and you get to see change in your aquarium water
- Impressionable design of the skimmer that gives buyers the desire to purchase the item. With the great design, you can place it at any place of your house for a good aesthetic.
- Compact size: the compact shape of the skimmer brings its aesthetic look and it also makes it strong enough. Besides, it allows you to connect it easily to your water aquarium.
Cons of the Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB Protein Skimmer
- The skimmer seems not be strong enough and this exposes it to vulnerability. If it falls off, or holds too much gallons than expected, it may be subject to breakage or serious damage that may call for high capital expenditures while replacing or repairing it.
- Noisy: the pump makes loud noises that make it difficult for you to stay close and monitor its filtration process.
- Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
Description of the Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
The Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer is one of the safest and most efficient skimmers to use. The design of the unit is impressionable and it comes with a narrow neck that gives it a unique look. Besides, this aspect of the skimmer enables it to take more time in allowing water intake in the system which slows down the tension in the tank for maximum cleaning of the aquarium water for a better experience in your daily cleaning endeavors.
Features of the Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
- The skimmer handles upto 500 gallons and as long as your aquarium is below the gallons, the skimmer will always be suitable for you.
- The pump runs at 8watts and it has a power of 220 v. as a result, it does not consume much energy at your home and you can be sure not to spend extra money on your power bills.
- The pump has a high capacity of 2500litres per hour and with that, it is clear that you can get quick results of purified clear water in a short time after starting you skimmer for the cleaning process.
- The size of the skimmer is medium and it does not turn out to be bulky for anyone that needs a thorough cleaning process for their aquarium.
Pros of the Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
- Easy to install: the item is usually semi packed on delivery and you only need to read through the user diagrams that the company provides on delivery. The diagrams are simple and through the illustrations that they give, it gets much easy for you to handle the entire installation process in few minutes.
- Flexible: the skimmer has a height of about 17cm from the base of its body to the pint of the water level and this enables you to connect to the aquarium at ease without having to buy extra pipes for the installation process.
- Solid and strong: the skimmer has a strong heavy duty body that gives it a sturdy look and feel. As a result, it allows you to handle have a better experience as it gives you a longer service. Besides, you do not need to worry about it breaking as a result of too much gallons of water that it filters as it is designed to hold the huge capacity.
- 4 rubber stands anchorage that enable the skimmer to be safe and sturdy while at work. With this, you do not need to worry about finding a better support point for the latter as it can handle all activities at any spot that you place it and you do not have to worry about the space that it occupies as everything is set.
Cons of the Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
- At times, the skimmer seems to overflow and this consumes most of your time as you have to keep cleaning it
- The skimmer posses a challenge when it comes to cleaning it due to the skimmate that regularly settles on it. You need to speed much time cleaning the mess and this may be discouraging for people that do not have much time to stay at home.
- CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus
Description of the CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus
If you are looking to safe up your space in the house, the CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus should be your first choice. The skimmer is one of its kind with its external pump that you only need to connect to the unit and get the work started. The pump brings you many benefits that encourage you to get the value for your money.
Features of the CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus
- Filters up to 130 gallons: the hang on back filter works by handling all your water purification needs in the largest amounts.
- External pump: the pump of the system is not intact like that of other hang on back skimmers. It is designed such that you can mount it to the back of your aquarium and this allows you to save space and have more room for other items that you may having. Besides, this feature is great as it enables the unit to require less heat with the water while handling the process.
- Bioload handling feature: the future which is common in most protein skimmers allows the unit to have be proportional to the water from the tank so that you do not have to keep shutting it down for the emptying process. As a result you have a more advanced filtration process for exceptional results.
- Acrylic construction: the type of construction makes the unit strong and solid to keep giving you a longer service for detailed purification of your water.
- Air silencer: the air silencer of the unit makes it efficient for your house and the cleaning process because there is less noise emitted thus you enjoy an ample time at your home.
Pros of the CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus
- The unit has a high performance that gives it a great capability over most skimmers. The ability of the unit to give excellent results in few minutes makes it a unit of desire by many people.
- Easy to adjust: you can move the device easily around your house thanks to its external pump that enables it to have a compatibility with most aquariums.
- Not loud: the air silencer mechanism of the skimmer makes it have less noise and this enables you to enjoy your peace at home. You can hardly notice that the unit is running due to its quiet nature.
Cons of the CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus
- The setup of the unit is challenging for people that may not have handled protein skimmers before. As a result, it gets challenging for them to install the unit and if they lack professional help, they may end up handling it in the wrong way.
- Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump
Description of the Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump
With the Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump, you get to create a conducive environment for the survival of your pets in the tank. The unit brings you a collection cup with a wide neck to easily finish up the cleaning process for a clean and clear water. The neck also serves a better purpose of preventing air bubbles form settling inside your tank so that it can quickly suck up the dissolved gases for the tank to leave it safe and conducive for your pets.
Features of the Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump
- Collection sup with side neck to facilitate easy and quick collection of dissolved solids for your water for a better cleaning experience
- Has an acrylic solid construction design that allows you to hang the unit at the back of your aquarium or also use it as a sump in your water tank for the best results and convenience.
- High tech diffuser with a bubble production technique to prevent air bubbles from settling in your tank and thus increasing the efficiency of the water purification to give better purified water
- Strong pump and skimmer that quickly handle the process of getting rid of the solid materials of your ate before thy dissolve in the water tank, which would rather make it difficult to remove them from the latter.
- It is made of a sturdy system that has a needle wheel shape that makes the air bubbles rotate in a spiral shape inside the tank for a more advanced cleaning procedure.
Pros of the Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump
- Easy to install: the unit is easy to set up due to its separate motor which you only need to fix together with the unit at the back of your aquarium
- High capacity: the unit comes in a good size and shape to handle all your water purification needs by holding many water gallons to compete the purification process quickly.
- Spiral bubble production that add more beauty to your aquarium and also increase the rate at which the unit purifies the water
- Needle like wheel impeller that is strong to keep moving I motion to help suck up air in the unit for the process of filtering to begin instantly
Cons of the Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump
- There is complaints about customer services regarding the product as there maybe delays on how they respond to customer claims and this may make some people impatient with the long wait
- Hard to read instructions: the instruction book comes with too many instructions that at times end up confusing the buyer and it would be more reliable if the latter comes in simple language and illustration diagrams that are simple to understand.
- Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer
Description of the Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer
The Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer is compatible with most aquarium tanks. The unit can handle gallons of up to 130 and installing it is not a difficult task. With its pin wheel skimmer, it is never complicated to finish up the cleaning process.
Features of the Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer
- New output design that allows clean water after filtration to flow under water for efficient and quick process of cleaning. The technology has also allowed the users of the unit to observe closely its functionality
- Cleaning the unit is easy and quick because you can disassemble it and clean each part thoroughly.
- High performance unit that beats the likes of many skimmer units in the market due to the newest technology used in the manufacture of its parts to enhance its functionality
- The bubble plate of the unit is removable and you do not need to get help form an expert when you need to clean it
- Strong construction with solid materials that enhance the durability of the unit for a longer service
- Operates quietly: the unit has a great technology of operation and due to its well-designed accessories, it is rare for you to notice its actions when it is running.
Pros of the Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer
- Affordable: the product comes at a good price and it offers you more than you expect thanks to its fast performance in getting your aquarium water clean. The new technology that enhances its performance makes it even better while handling the filtration process
- The skimmer does not occupy a lot of space and this makes it a great choice for people with limited space in their house or balcony
- Easy to adjust and set up: the unit is not complicated when it comes to installing it as most of the instructions are clear in the instruction book. You can as well adjust it to take any shape that you desire.
Quiet: the skimmer does not make noise during the operation time and this gives
- you another reason to install it in your aquarium
Con of the Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer
- The skimmer takes time before it can start the purification process of skimmate pulling and it is not ideal for anyone that is impatient
- The skimmer floods and adjusting it is a difficult task at times
- Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer
Description of the Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer
The body design of the unit is appealing with a hydro cone shape that enhances the filtration process for you. It is one of the most incredible skimmers in the market that offer you seamless water filtration experience.
Features of the Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer
- Needle wheel impeller that traps air and slices it into fine needle shaped fine bubbles that quickly trap the solids in the water
- Hybrid cone shaped design that maintains a longer contact with water to trap the waste and enhance the quality of the foam forming at the top of the water to pick up more waste for filtration
- DC pump: the pump is energy efficient and it plays a big role in facilitating the sucking of air to the other fittings for a better cleanup of your aquarium.
- Cup for collection that is built in a good design to collect all debris form the foam formed on top of the water tank
- Controller that works hand in hand with the pump by turning it off and also adjusting its speed to increase the efficiency of the filtration process. Besides, the controller displays various digital readouts to update you on the power consumption of the pump as well as the speed at which it is operating
Pros of the Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer
- The unit has a medium size that you can fit in any space that you have without worries
- Easy to maintain as the highbred quality of its materials rarely get damaged hence you do not need to keep repairing it
- Con design that prolongs the contact time to create a high chance for the completion of a thorough clean up process
- Collection cup that is built in the unit which saves the extra money that you could probably spend purchasing a new one for the fitting
Cons of the Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer
- The adjustments tend to be troublesome and if you touch them unexpectedly, they may lead to poor purification process that do not meet your demands
- The device tends to be slow and it may take up to 5 days before it breaks in
- Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer
Description of the Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer
The unit handles upto 21o gallons and it has a gate valve for the control of entry of air. The unit is constructed with high quality materials that enhance its longevity. It has a cup for debris collection and a o ring pump to facilitate the bubble and foam formation process. It is a high quality unit that should be in your cart due to the ability of the company to manufacture their own pumps , an aspect that promotes efficiency in the pumps
Features of the Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer
- Collection cup with a quick release future for you to collect and dispose the waste quickly
- Air intake silencer that controls the sounds in the unit to avoid loud noise
- Output valve that controls the level of the water in the unit
- Sturdy body that is built with a cone design to enable it to last and serve you longer
- Air injection system that is enhanced with a venture design to allow air in and regulate the amount that gets in
Pros of the Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer
- Saves energy: the pump consumes less energy and it is a great deal to instill in your house
- Effective in cleaning the tank due to its cone shape that allows it to stay longer in contact with the gas hence bringing better results
- High performance and it promotes efficiency for a better experience in your cleaning endeavors
- Gives out more skimmate , which is an added advantage to its users as they do not have to frequently clean it
Cons of the Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer
- Loud: the unit tends to be louder than other products and the noise may be discouraging to those using it
- Takes a lot of time before it break in
- Happybuy Protein Filter Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
Description of the Happybuy Protein Filter Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
The unit is suitable for use in small sump and not externally. The unit has a high performance and it offers exceptional results in your cleaning endeavors.
Features of the Happybuy Protein Filter Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
- Cast acrylic design to help it give you a prolonged service
- A chamber with a cone design that enhances the contact with air for better results
- Fashionable design that makes the unit attractive and worth your attention
- Internal protein skimmer
- The skimmers are meant for salty water as they tend to work better in such environments
- Great size that saves you space
- No noise emission due to its design that is meant to make the unit intact to reduce the noise
Pros of the Happybuy Protein Filter Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
- Easy to install and the instructions are clear
- High quality design that give it a long life
- Quiet
Cons of the Happybuy Protein Filter Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
- Only works for salty water
- A times it makes noise when the bubbles increase
- Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External Protein Skimmer
Description of the Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External Protein Skimmer
The unit comes in a mini size that is great for use in a small space. It filters water through minimal bubbles and gives excellent results
Features of the Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External Protein Skimmer
- Foam diffuser: that is meant to minimize the bubbles that go through to the diffuser
- Mini external design that helps to save space
- Designed for 60 gallons of tanks and ideal for people with small aquariums
- Completes the filtration quickly due to its amendable design
Pros of the Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External Protein Skimmer
- Easy to set up: the installation process of the unit is easy and the instructions in the guide book make it easier
- Easy to operate: the simplicity of the unit makes it easy to handle and get everything running in the right way
Affordable: the unit comes at a great offer and this allows clients to get quality
- products for a better price
Cons of the Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External Protein Skimmer
- Noise: the unit is not quiet while operating