Are you trying to find in tank 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 in tank 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 14 hours of research and did 54 in tank 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 in tank protein skimmers you can buy today
- 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.
- 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 4.9x4.3inch, support up to50(Heavy bio-lad)-100gal(Light bio-lad) aquarium tanks.
- 265GPH 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.
- 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: 5.5x4.3inch, Pump power consumption: 7 Watts, Recommended Water Level: 6.5-7.5"
- Strong Function-Protein on the water surface of the fish tank caused by external factors will hinder the exchange of water flow and oxygen, resulting in the death of fish.CHERLAM protein skimmer has a built-in super-strong eddy current motor, which can easily solve the Protein pollution on the water surface.The protein separation membrane has strong water permeability and strong adsorption force maintaining the living environment required by fish.
- Intimate Design - The floating table of the protein skimmer adopts a lifting design, which can automatically lift up to 1.18 inches, so there is no need to worry about the situation that the aquarium surface protein skimmer does not work due to the drop of water vapor evaporation and water level. The stainless steel shaft of the pump has low resistance, high-speed operation, anti-vibration thickened shell, and anti-vibration suction cups, which effectively block various noises.
- Flexible Adjustment - Multiple suction cups are placed behind the oil removal film, which has super suction and can be tightly attached to the fish tank. The flow switch design can adjust the size of the water output at will according to your own needs to achieve flexible and effective filtration.
- Wide Applicability - CHERLAM aquarium protein skimmer is made of high quality PVC material with fine workmanship and durable. Small size suitable for fish tank, aquarium, turtle tank. Suitable for turtles, fish, reptiles and amphibians, optimizing the water quality to provide them with a more comfortable living environment.
- High Quality After Sales-CHERLAM always puts the customer first. In order to improve the quality of our products, if there is any problem during using please contact us in time and we will replace it for you as soon as possible.
- 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".
- EFFECTIVELY REMOVES ORGANIC WASTE: The Aquatic Life 115 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
- COMPACT FOR NANO TANKS: This compact protein skimmer for nano-tanks measures only 3-1/2 x 3-5/8 x 10-5/8 inches. It’s great for small aquariums and mini-reef aquariums. It mounts to fit inside most rear overflow or filtration compartments with a minimum size of 4 x 4 inches
- POWERFUL AND HIGHLY EFFICIENT: The internal protein skimmer for aquariums is powered by an 8-watt needle-wheel impeller pump for efficient air-to-water contact and energy, delivering maximum protein collection and highly effective organic waste removal
- SIMPLE TO INSTALL: This small protein skimmer is easy to set up and runs a super-quiet operation. The suction cups provide mounting options for convenient placement, and the adjustable bracket fits standard aquarium frames
- QUICK ACCESS FOR EASY CLEANING: A quick-lock design on the protein skimmer allows full access for maintenance and easy cleaning. Designed for saltwater aquariums up to 30 gallons (115 liters). Clear plastic 3.4oz collection cup
- Compact size makes this skimmer ideal for mini-reef aquariums
- Placement inside aquarium provides quiet operation
- Proven needle-wheel impeller increases air-to-water contact
- New-Tech DC needlewheel pump with controller: The skimmer features a DC-powered pump that utilizes sine wave technology, making it exceptionally quiet and safe for your aquatic pets; Its fully sealed metal components resist corrosion for long-lasting use; The pump controller also prevents potential overflowing, which traditional adjustments to outlet size or installation height may not effectively address
- 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
- Adjustable water outlet: The skimmer's rotating body allows for easy adjustment of the water outlet, ensuring you caneasily adjust the foam to be moist or dry foaming as needed
- 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
- BTINF PROTEIN SKIMMER STRONG FUNCTION - Protein on the water surface of the fish tank caused by external factors will hinder the exchange of water flow and oxygen, resulting in the death of fish. Fish tank with filter has a built-in super-strong eddy current motor, which can easily solve the Protein pollution on the water surface.The protein separation membrane has strong water permeability and strong adsorption force maintaining the living environment required by fish.
- INTIMATE DESIGN - The floating table of the small fish tank filter adopts a lifting design, which can automatically lift up to 1.18 inches, so there is no need to worry about the situation that the 3 to 10 gallon fish tank filter does not work due to the drop of water vapor evaporation and water level. The stainless steel shaft of the pump has low resistance, high-speed operation, anti-vibration thickened shell, and anti-vibration suction cups, which effectively block various noises.
- FLEXIBLE ADJUSTMENT - Multiple suction cups are placed behind the oil removal film, which has super suction and can be tightly attached to the fish tank. The flow switch design can adjust the size of the water output at will according to your own needs to achieve flexible and effective filtration.
- WIDE APPLICABILITY - Fish tank filter is made of high quality PVC material with fine workmanship and durable. Small size suitable for fish tank, aquarium, turtle tank. Suitable for turtles, fish, reptiles and amphibians, optimizing the water quality to provide them with a more comfortable living environment.
- HIGH QUALITY AFTER SALES - Btinf always puts the customer first. In order to improve the quality of our products, if there is any problem during using please contact us in time and we will replace it for you as soon as possible.
- 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".
- [Advanced Filtration] Enhance your saltwater reef aquarium's filtration with this saltwater aquarium skimmer. Designed for efficient protein and amino acid removal, it promotes an ideal aquatic environment.
- [Seamless Integration] Seamlessly integrate this compact skimmer into UNS Dual All-In-One rimless systems or tanks up to 25 gallons (95 liters) for effortless crystal-clear water.
- [Easy Installation] Say goodbye to complicated setups. With the UNS Mini Protein Skimmer, installation is a breeze. Spend less time tinkering with equipment and more time enjoying the beauty of your aquascape.
- [Impressive Performance] This protein skimmer boasts a max flow rate of 79 GAL/Hr (299 liters/hr), ensuring optimal filtration for your fish tank. Keep your marine life thriving with top-notch protein skimming.
- [Durable Build] Crafted with reliable ABS and Acrylic materials, this aquarium skimmer is durable. It's the ideal solution for saltwater aquariums, ensuring reliability in maintaining your aquarium.
- DC pinwheel pump. Safety Assurance. High Efficiency. Energy Saving. Ultra Quiet.
- Graphite shaft cover. Durable wear resistance. 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 white 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".
- 【Acrylic Material】This nano protein skimmer made of high quality acrylic material, clear view and strong structure, durable in use.
- 【Main Function】This protein skimmer can separate the organic matter before it decomposes into waste, reducing the burden on the biochemical system.
- 【Increase Oxygen】This aquarium protein skimmer can be used for protein separation to increase dissolved oxygen in water.
- 【Applicable Size】This nano protein skimmer is a practical fish accessory, it is designed for 20-30cm/7.87-11.81inch fish , reliable to use.
- 【Applicable Media】This aquarium protein skimmer is mainly used to filter marine water quality, not for fresh water.
- Compact design perfect for AIO tanks: The AIO protein skimmer has a compact footprint of just 2.8 inches by 3.9 inches, making it perfect for most AIO tanks chambers. The built-in slicer also makes the unit look tidy and streamlined.
- New-Tech DC needlewheel pump with controller: The skimmer features a DC-powered pump that utilizes sine wave technology, making it exceptionally quiet and safe for your aquatic pets. Its fully sealed metal components resist corrosion for long-lasting use. The pump controller also prevents potential overflowing, which traditional adjustments to outlet size or installation height may not effectively address.
- Adjustable water outlet and hanging rack: The skimmer's rotating body allows for easy adjustment of the water outlet, while the adjustable hanging rack allows you to easily adjust the foam to be moist or dry foaming as needed.
- The cell-cast Diffuser: The AIO 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.
- SEPECIFCATION: 2.8x3.9'' footprint, 7-8'' recommend water level, 5W DC pump, suite for 25-40 gal water. 1 year warranty
- EASE OF USE AquaMaxx WS-1 protein skimmers are easy to setup and maintain. Just move the collection cup up or down to adjust the foam level to wet or dry.
- COMPACT DESIGN AquaMaxx protein skimmers were designed from the ground up with the hobbyist in mind. The AquaMaxx WS-1 protein skimmer have the pump placed inside the skimmer itself to save space, reduce noise and improve efficiency.
- PERFORMANCE The AquaMaxx WS-1 protein skimmer relies on a superbly crafted Italian Sicce Syncra pump and AquaMaxx needlewheel impeller to vigorously remove waste from your fish or reef tank.
- Pump(included): Shark 1.0 | Pump power consumption: 11 Watts | Filtration Rating: up to 65 Gallons (light bioload) or 30 Gallons (heavy bioload) | 1 year warranty | 120 volt USA plug
- Footprint : L 5.9" x W 3.2" | Height: 14" (excluding collection up) | Collection Cup Height: 5.5" | Recommended Water Level: 8"-10" |Requires approximately 5.5" of clearance to remove collection cup
- Quiet performance
- Adjustable height with magnetic mount
- Removable Bubble Trap
- SICCE Needle wheel pump w/ 3 yr. warranty
- Enhances Water Quality: This protein skimmer is specifically designed to effectively separate proteins and increase the dissolved oxygen in water. By removing organic matter before it decomposes into waste, it helps reduce the burden on the biochemical system, resulting in improved water quality for your fish.
- Premium Acrylic Construction: Crafted from high-quality acrylic material, this protein skimmer offers a clear view and a strong, durable structure. It is built to withstand the demands of continuous use and provides long-lasting performance.
- Practical Fish Tank Accessory: Designed for 20-30cm fish tanks, this protein skimmer is a reliable and practical accessory for maintaining the optimal water quality in your marine aquarium. It is designed to fit seamlessly into your aquarium setup and is easy to install and use.
- Specialized for Marine Water: Please note that this protein skimmer is specifically designed for marine water and is not suitable for use in freshwater tanks. It is engineered to meet the unique needs of marine ecosystems, ensuring efficient and effective filtration.
- Promotes Healthy Aquatic Environment: By effectively removing proteins and organic matter, this protein skimmer promotes a healthy aquatic environment for your fish. It helps avoid the buildup of waste and ensures a clean and oxygen-rich habitat for your marine fish and other aquatic inhabitants.
- 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
- This IOAOI protein skimmer is perfect for small aquariums filtering. The skimmer body is small and it doesn’t take up too much space. But the pinwheel pump will generate enough bubbles to make your tank crystal clear.
- Special cavity design helps to generate much richer bubbles. 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.
- DC pinwheel water pump adopts advanced sine wave technology, high efficiency and energy saving. Make sure the pump is fully submerged.
- Waterflow adjustable with controller, gears 1 to 10 to meet requirements for different water quality.
- Constructed of high-quality cast acrylic to guarantee long life. The cup can be easily removed for cleaning.
- Rotate the blue knob at the top to adjust the waterflow and to eliminate the noise.
- Power: 4 Watts. Volt: 120V 60Hz. Foot Print/Height: 6.3*5.3/16.8 in.
- 🐠 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.
- 🐠 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.
- 🐠 EFFORTLESS CLEANING - Features a wide neck collection cup with easy twist feature for effortless cleaning.
- 🐠 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.
- 🐠 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.
- 🐠 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.
- EFFECTIVELY FILTERS – 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 – 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 – 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 – Setting up the protein skimmers for saltwater aquariums is a breeze, and it operates quietly thanks to the air intake muffler with an extended length.
- EASY ATTACHMENT – 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.
- High quality protein skimmer effectively removes organic waste and other pollutants from saltwater, for up to 79 gallon saltwater aquariums
- Features a self-priming pump, Powerful and silent pinwheel impeller combines air and water to create fine bubbles. Water Flow: 264gph. High Efficiency. Energy Saving. Ultra Quiet
- Waterflow adjustable with regulating valve. Easily allows for control of the amount of air and water mixture in your skimmer. This forces waste to be foam fractioned out. Also prevents overflow
- Integrated molded cast acrylic skimmer body. Solid construction and long-life service. Adjustable skimmer height bracket- perfectly tune in the water level in your skimmer, without adjusting the water running level in your aquarium
- HG092: 3.94"(L) x 3.6 (W) x 13.39" (H). Pump power consumption: 7 Watts. Recommended water level:4.4-5.9 in. Can be used in sump or with hang on mounting bracket. Before making a purchase, please make sure to confirm the installation dimensions and choose the correct model accordingly.
How to choose a good in tank protein skimmers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic in tank 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 in tank 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 in tank 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 in tank 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 in tank 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 in tank 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: Would it be accurate to suggest that the in tank protein skimmers were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, 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 in tank 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 in tank protein skimmers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting in tank 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 in tank 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 in tank 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 in tank protein skimmers.
