Are you trying to find small 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 small 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 18 hours of research and did 45 small 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 small protein skimmers you can buy today
- Effectively removes dissolved organics from saltwater
- For BioCubes and standard aquariums up to 32 gallons in size
- Features a self-priming pump making setup simple
- 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.
- High quality protein skimmer for up to 53 gallon tank (depends on stocking)
- Small hang-on back skimmer; Water Flow: 238gph
- Effectively eliminates organic waste. Simply remove the collection cup to dispose tank waste
- Easy to install and operate. No priming required
- Needle-to-wheel impeller - increases air to water contact
- 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
- 32 needle-wheel impeller increases air-to-water contact ratio, creating ideal bubble size for maximum protein collection
- Adjustable flow regulators control amount of air entering reaction chamber to produce perfect amount of "skimmate"
- Adjustable water-level control valve regulates skimming performance
- Versatile mounting options - adjustable hanging bracket and suction cups included
- Large reaction chamber mixes air and water effectively to remove organic waste from water molecules
- 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
- 【Acrylic Material】This nano protein skimmer made of high quality acrylic material, clear view and strong structure, 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.
- 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.
- Motor equipped with needle wheel impeller optimizes skimming
- Multiple filtration layers for diminished microbubble entry into aquarium
- Reduced maintenance with optimally designed skimming collection cup
- Skimming not affected by water level fluctuations
- Adjustable air flow controls volume of microbubbles
- Designed for marine and reef aquatic environments
- Reduced maintenance with optimally designed skimming collection cup
- Skimming not affected by water level fluctuations
- Quick Break-In Period: Achieve peak performance in about a week! Adjust the air input to maximum and fine-tune the collection cup to create the ideal skimmate—dark brown to black for optimal results. Allow 1-2 days after each adjustment for the best outcomes
- Effortless Waste Removal: Efficiently eliminate food particles, waste, and other compounds to maintain a healthy, clean saltwater aquarium environment. Pair with a surface skimmer to tackle stubborn surface films
- Innovative Overflow Prevention: Avoid skimmer overflow after adding water conditioners like Fluval Aqua Plus. The fish-protecting colloids may cause temporary overflow; simply turn off the skimmer for a few hours to prevent issues
- Precision Engineering for Efficiency: The 24-blade turbine system delivers perfectly sized bubbles for maximum protein collection, ensuring your skimmer operates at top efficiency with every use
- Space-Saving, User-Friendly Design: Designed for aquariums up to 45 gallons, this skimmer features a modular, compact build with ultra-silent operation, a secure rim connector, and a clear, easy-to-clean collection cup for hassle-free maintenance
- 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
- 1.PREMIUM MATERIAL - This protein skimmer is made of high-quality acrylic material, the instrument can see clearly, strong structure, durable, can be used repeatedly, and can be used for a long time.
- 2.MAIN FUNCTION - This separator can be used for protein separation to increase the dissolved oxygen in the water. It can separate organic matter before it is decomposed into toxic waste, thereby reducing the burden on the biochemical system.
- 3.WATERPROOF SEPARATOR -This separator is designed to be waterproof, designed for water and fish, so there will be no problem with long-term use in water.
- 4. SEAWATER FILTRATION -- Nano Protein Skimmer, This protein skimmer is mainly used to filter marine water quality, not for fresh water. It is designed for 20-30cm fish tank, It is reliable and easy to operate, reliable to use.
- 5.Detachable collection cup for easy cleaning.
- 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.
- 【Effectively Removes Organic Waste】: 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
- 【Needle Wheel Impeller Pump】: 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
- 【Adjustable Water Outlet & Humidity of Foam】: 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
- 【The cell-cast Diffuser】: 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
- 【Compact Design】: The protein skimmer footprint is only 3.9" X 2.8". Height: 14.6". It’s perfect for small aquariums and mini-reef aquariums up to 57 gallons(215L). It fits in most rear overflow or filtration compartments.
- 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"
- Effective surface skimming.
- Adjustable flow rate.
- Easy cleaning.
- Adjust the water level within 4cm automatically.
- Small and compact in size.
- 【PREMIUM MATERIAL】Made of high quality plastic material, solid and to use.
- 【PRACTICAL TOOL】 for cleaning undesired protein colloid of fish , provide a fresh and environment for fish to breathe.
- 【EASY TO USE】Easy to use, it should be equipped with a air pump, filter protein colloid, organic particles and other harmful heavy metal materials from the water, fast and effective.
- 【CONVENIENT & PRACTICAL】Two different size for choosing, suitable for most fish , convenient and practical.
- 【MAIN FUNCTION】Helps improve exchange and keep your aquarium water clean and clear.
- Footprint: 2.75" x 3.2" | Reaction Chamber: 2" | Height: 13"
- Skimmer Pump: DCair 200
- Magnet Mount: Up to 1/2in thick
- Quiet performance
- Adjustable height with magnetic mount
- Removable Bubble Trap
- SICCE Needle wheel pump w/ 3 yr. warranty
- 🐠【Efficient Protein Skimming】: The Bubble Magus Curve 5 Pro is equipped with a powerful needle wheel pump that effectively removes organic waste from aquariums, keeping water clean and ensuring the health of aquatic life.
- 🐠【Unique Curve Design】: The innovative curved design maximizes the contact area of bubbles in the reaction chamber, enhancing skimming efficiency while reducing noise and energy consumption.
- 🐠【Compact Dimensions】: Measuring 7.09" x 7.28" x 18.50", the Bubble Magus Curve 5 Pro is compact yet powerful, fitting easily into most aquarium setups without taking up excessive space.
- 🐠【High-Performance Pump】: Comes with the ROCK SP1.5 pump, operating at 100-240V, 50Hz, 16W (DC24V, 60Hz, 0.5A), ensuring robust performance and reliability.
- 🐠【Optimal Air Intake】: With an air intake of 330 LPH and optimal water level of 7-8”, it ensures efficient skimming and maintains optimal water conditions for your aquatic environment.
- 🐠【Easy Installation and Maintenance】: This protein skimmer is easy to install with a detailed instruction manual, and maintenance is straightforward without needing to disassemble complex components, making cleaning and upkeep convenient for users.
- 🐠【Suitable for Various Aquariums】: Ideal for saltwater or freshwater aquariums ranging from 80 to 132 gallons, it is the perfect choice for small to medium-sized aquarium enthusiasts, providing a stable and efficient water quality management solution.
- 🐠【Quiet Operation】: Equipped with a noise-reducing design, it operates with minimal noise, ensuring a peaceful environment for both home and office settings, and providing a tranquil aquarium experience.
- 🐠【TRUSTED】 Bubble Magus 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 - Bubble Magus steps in.
- 🐠【Bubble Magus】If you’re like most fish keepers, you want only the best for your pets. No one likes to see their aquatic buddies swimming around in dirty water. It’s an eyesore at best and a threat to the lives of your fish at worst.Luckily, there’s a number of excellent protein skimmers on the market to help take care of that problem.One of them is the Bubble Magus BM-Curve 5 Pro Protein Skimmer.
How to choose a good small protein skimmers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic small 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 small 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 small 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 small 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 small 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 small 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 small 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 small 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 small protein skimmers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting small 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 small 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 small 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 small protein skimmers.
