Are you trying to find sump protein skimmers among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling sump protein skimmers on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 11 hours of research and did 18 sump protein skimmers tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best sump protein skimmers you can buy today
- Compact size fit for space-limited installations and supply powerful filtration. Thanks to the internal pump and the new "bottom-open" outlet design minimizes footprint to be 7.9x7.4inch, support up to 105(Heavy bio-load)-135gal(Light bio-load) aquarium tanks.
- 400GPH DC sine wave pumps with special needle wheel impellers to whip up large amounts of air with optimum bubble size. The sine wave technology allows the pump gives out higher power with silencer sound. The pump also come with smart controller with 1-8 level speed, and with feed model, delay start function.
- Exclusive Cell-cast diffuser designed to efficiently mix air and water. together with the cone structure the random twirling and turbulent flow will be eliminated. A stable laminar flow is created inside the skimmer`s reaction chamber and maximizes the performance and efficiency of the skimmer like no other design!
- Superior Design, A built-in air intake silencer reduces noise for near-silent operation. The hybrid-cone design maximizes the size of the reaction chamber and to allow the skimmate to smoothly rise into the collection cup. The advanced Bubble Chamber decreases turbulence and produced a stable laminar flow: which improves bubble transition and boosts skimmer performance.
- Specifications: Footprint: 7.9x7.4inch, Max pump power consumption: 20 Watts, Recommended Water Level: 6.5-8.0"
- DC pinwheel pump. Safety Assurance. High Efficiency. Energy Saving. Ultra Quiet.
- Graphite shaft cover. Durable wear resistance. Low DB Operation. Needle wheel impeller generates fine and smooth bubbles.
- Power of the pump can be adjusted with controller, gears 1 to 10 to meet requirements for different water quality.
- Water flow adjustable through the blue knob on the top. Air flow adjustable through the silencer.
- Integrated molded cast acrylic skimmer body. Solid construction and long-life service.
- In sump use only. The recommended sump water depth is 7" to 9".
- đ HIGH PERFORMANCE - The Coralife Super Skimmer has a high-performance foam fractionator designed with a patented needle-wheel impeller, an aspirating venturi and is effective at removing dissolved organic compounds from water.
- đ PATENTED TECHNOLOGY - The needle-wheel system creates a spiraling vortex of water and micro bubbles inside the reaction chamber where the bubbles attract fine proteins and organic compounds and deposit them in the collection cup. The result is a clean and healthy aquarium environment.
- đ EFFORTLESS CLEANING - Features a wide neck collection cup with easy twist feature for effortless cleaning.
- đ HIGH QUALITY FEATURES - Features dual injection inlets to increase bubble/water contact time and a bubble production diffuser to prevent the flow of micro-bubbles into main aquarium. Can be used in sump or with hang on mounting bracket.
- đ 3 SIZES - Each unit is adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting or in-sump setup. Available in 3 sizes to accommodate your aquarium size - 65, 125 and 220 Gallon.
- đ TRUSTED - Coralife is a trusted brand of marine aquarium parts and supplies. We offer aquarium lighting, filtration products, marine salt mix and more. When aquarium systems require more than just the basics - Coralife steps in.
- NOT for rimmed tanks. 3 inches diameter skimmer body. Space saving. More practical. Either for Hang-on or in sump use.
- DC pinwheel pump. Safety Assurance. High Efficiency. Energy Saving. Ultra Quiet.
- Graphite shaft cover. Durable wear resistance. Low DB Operation. Needle wheel impeller generates fine and smooth bubbles.
- Integrated molded cast acrylic skimmer body. Solid construction and long-life service.
- Rotate the skimmer body to reach the desired water level. More flexible and better reaction.
- Waterflow adjustable with controller, gears 1 to 10 to meet requirements for different water quality.
- DC pinwheel pump. Safety Assurance. High Efficiency. Energy Saving. Ultra Quiet.
- Graphite shaft cover. Durable wear resistance. Low DB Operation. Needle wheel impeller generates fine and smooth bubbles.
- 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.
- Power of the pump can be adjusted with controller, gears 1 to 10 to meet requirements for different water quality. Water flow adjustable through the blue knob on the top. Air flow adjustable through the silencer.
- Integrated molded cast acrylic skimmer body. Solid construction and long-life service.
- In sump use only. The recommended sump water depth is 7" to 9".
- Distinctive Turbulence Reducing Body
- Solid PVC & Acrylic Construction
- In-Sump Installation Only
- Bubble Dispersant Chamber
- Footprint: 4.5" x 7.5" | Reaction Chamber: 4" | Height: 19"
- Product Scope : designed for filtration in s saltwater aquariums, can be customization of space for protein skimmer, media reactor, refugium and other equipment.
- Adjustable Water Level : the water level can be adjusted between 4-8 inches depending on the protein skimmer usage requirements.
- Suitable for fish tank: Aqueon 20 gallon long glass aquariums, or your tank has an internal width between 11.8"-12.1" , There needs to be some gap on both sides to accommodate the glue,Please measure your tank before buying.
- Packaging List: 4â Sock Holder, ,Sock Baffle ,Water Level Adjustment Plate ,Water Level Baffle ,Two Black Nylon Thumb screws ,Bubble Trap Baffle ,Two Bubble Trap Filter Media Supports ,Silicone Trowel Scraper ,Masking Tape.
- It does not come with Fish Tank or Silicone Sealant, Product has protective film, please remove before use.
- EFFECTIVELY FILTERS â The Macro Aqua protein skimmer for aquarium is a proficient tool for removing proteins in aquariums that may endanger the well-being of the aquatic inhabitants.
- DESIGNED FOR SUMP PLACEMENT â Designed to be placed in a saltwater sump filter with a water depth of 5 to 11.5 inches, the KP-30 model salt water fish tank skimmer has dimensions of 8.00 x 6.75 x 20.50 inches.
- 8-SPEED PUMP â With an upgraded titanium mesh impeller and a high-efficiency 8-speed DC pump, this saltwater tank skimmer is a superb option for marine and reef aquariums that employ a sump filter.
- SILENT OPERATION â Setting up the ââprotein skimmers for saltwater aquariums is a breeze, and it operates quietly thanks to the air intake muffler with an extended length.
- EASY ATTACHMENT â Attaching the large collection cup to the top of the protein filter skimmer is a straightforward process achieved by pressing and twisting it until it secures tightly with the O-ring.
- NOT for rimmed tanks. 2 inches internal diameter skimmer body. Either for Hang-on or in sump use.
- DC pinwheel pump. High Efficiency. Energy Saving. Ultra Quiet.
- Graphite shaft cover. Durable wear resistance. Low DB Operation.
- Solid construction and long-life service.
- Three places to tune the skimmer, easy operation and better reaction.
- Coral vue octopus 4-inch needle wheel skimmer 100gal
- Reef octopus pinwheel/needle wheel skimmers provide you with a high performance features in an easy to use package
- New pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance
- The IceCap K3-130 INT (Internal) In-Sump Protein Skimmer is a compact in-sump protein skimmer ideal for aquariums up to 140 gallons. In addition, IceCap built this skimmer to surpass many challenges other skimmers on the market cannot. Simple-to-use pump controller with 10 power levels and a feed timer.
- The IceCap K3-130 INT body is constructed of high-quality acrylic and equipped with the new controllable and efficient DCAIR 1.0 pinwheel pump that produces an ideal mix of water and air for optimal waste removal at the push of a button.
- For aquariums up to: 140 gallons, light bio load; 90 gallons, medium bio load; 60 gallons, heavy bio load.
- Sump installation only. Footprint: 5.6" x 7.3". Total Height: 19.25".
- DCAIR 1.0 Pinwheel Pump. 10 Power Level Settings. Cup Drain Size: 8 mm ID / 12 mm OD. Disassembles for easy cleaning & maintenance.
- Effective Waste Removal for Cleaner Aquariums: The Aquatop Xyclone Protein Skimmer is designed to efficiently eliminate organic waste, keeping both freshwater and saltwater aquariums clean.
- 370 GPH Flow Rate for Maximum Filtration: With a powerful 370 gallons per hour flow rate, this skimmer provides thorough removal of dissolved organic compounds, ensuring optimal water quality.
- Improves Water Clarity and Supports Oxygen Levels: By efficiently removing waste particles, the Xyclone Protein Skimmer enhances water clarity and promotes better oxygenation for a healthier aquarium environment.
- Compact Design for Easy Installation: The Xyclone Protein Skimmer features a compact design that easily fits into most aquarium setups, providing efficient filtration without taking up too much space.
- Durable Build for Long-Lasting Performance: Made with high-quality materials, this protein skimmer is built for long-term reliability, ensuring consistent waste removal in both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
- Promote maximum water flow around its support legs eliminating the chance of detritus to collect around support frames
- Three sizes available supporting most skimmers available today. Support for skimmers with internal and external pumps.
- Built using only virgin reef safe plastics. Same plastic as most water bottles. Biotek Marine IntelliStands are made in the USA using USA made filament.
- With the purchase of short leg kit, the stands support from 3 1/2" to 6 1/2"
- Easy maintenance featuring detachable support legs.
- For aquariums up to 210 gallons with a light filtration demand. For aquariums up to 160 gallons with a medium filtration demand. For aquariums up to 100 gallons with a high filtration demand.
- Small Footprint: 11.4" x 7.5", Body Diameter: 6", Height: 22.6"
- Reef Octopus VarioS-2S Controllable Pinwheel Pump. Latest in DC controllable technology. Pump has 5 controllable energy efficient power setting
- Output Size: 40mm - Comes with metric to British adapter to 1.25â pvc ; Output Height: 9.1"
- Recommended Sump Water Depth: 6" to 8"
- Magnetic Mount - Filtration Rating: up to 30 Gallons (light bioload) or 20 Gallons (heavy bioload)
- Footprint: 2-7/16" Deep x 4" Wide x 13-5/8" Tall. Pump included
- Pump power consumption: 1.6 watts, 120 Volt USA Plug
- Small and powerful Nano Protein Skimmer, Modified and upgraded Italian Sicce Syncra Nano needlewheel pump
- DCSQ-90 occupies a slightly larger footprint, measuring L3.7x4.2 inches, please ensure that your tank sump can accommodate this size. In most cases, tank sumps may not be large enough to install the DCSQ-90 model. If your tank sump size is greater than 3.7x4.2 inches, then DCSQ-90 is the ideal choice. Otherwise, you can opt for the smaller DCSQ-50 model, which measures L2.78" x W3.5".
- DC Needle wheel impeller pump 4w/9w (720lph/870lph) - Powerful and silent needle wheel impeller combines air and water to create fine bubbles, removing proteins and waste from water column.
- Adjustable skimmer body- Easily allows for control of the amount of air and water mixture in your skimmer. This forces waste to be foam fractioned out, and collect extra nutrients in the top cup. Easily dump out the waste produced by your aquarium.
- Adjustable skimmer height bracket- perfectly tune in the water level in your skimmer, without adjusting the water running level in your aquarium. Built in bubble trap- Specially designed sponge fits over the output of the skimmer removing micro bubbles from entering aquarium display.
- DC-SQ90: L3.7" x W4.2", DC-SQ50: L2.78" x W3.5". Before making a purchase, please make sure to confirm the installation dimensions and choose the correct model accordingly.
- Adjustable DC pump speed
- For tanks up to 120 gallons
- Cone shape design
- Collection cup drain with cap
- 3 year pro-rated warranty: 100% coverage first year 50% coverage second year 25% coverage third year
- The IceCap K1-130 is a remarkably compact skimmer that offers a new level of refined filtration for marine aquariums ranging from 80 to 140 gallons. All aspects of the skimmer were implemented to surpass many challenges other skimmers on the market miss out on.
- For aquariums up to: 140 gallons, light bio load; 100 gallons, medium bio load; and 80 gallons, heavy bio load.
- In-sump installation only. Recommended sump water height: 6" to 8". Footprint: 5.6" X 7.3", 19" tall.
- Includes EVair 400 skimmer pump
- Distinctive turbulence reducing body. Solid PVC & acrylic construction. Bubble dispersant chamber. Novel pipeless output valve.
- ăEffectively Removes Organic Wasteă: The hygger Mini Protein Skimmer for aquariums effectively removes organic waste and other pollutants before they break down into compounds which can be harmful to the aquarium inhabitants
- ăNeedle Wheel Impeller Pumpă: The hygger protein skimmer is equipped with a powerful, low-noise DC pump that mixes air and water, its pinwheel impeller design increases the waste collection area, producing a large number of fine, smooth bubbles for better protein skimmer performance. It is durable, corrosion resistant and safe for your aquatic pets
- ăAdjustable Water Outlet & Humidity of Foamă: The size of the spout can be changed by rotating the body of the protein skimmer to easily adjust the water level line inside the protein skimmer to prevent potential overflow, which also allows you to collect dry foam or wet foam as needed
- ăThe cell-cast Diffuseră: The hygger protein skimmer's cell-cast diffuser is specifically designed to create an efficient and effective mixing of air and water. It eliminates random twirling and turbulent flow, allowing for a stable laminar flow inside the skimmer's reaction chamber for optimal skimming performance
- ăCompact Designă: The protein skimmer footprint is only 3.9" X 2.8". Height: 14.6". Itâs perfect for small aquariums and mini-reef aquariums up to 57 gallons(215L). It fits in most rear overflow or filtration compartments.
How to choose a good sump protein skimmers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic sump protein skimmers make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in sump protein skimmers. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top sump protein skimmers products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top sump protein skimmers on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top sump protein skimmers brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top sump protein skimmers based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Â Would it be accurate to suggest that the sump protein skimmers were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, Â provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good sump protein skimmers, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your sump protein skimmers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting sump protein skimmers for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our sump protein skimmers. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what sump protein skimmers should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on sump protein skimmers.
