13 best aquarium skimmers

Product description

The Aqua Top SSK-65 Aquarium Surface Skimmer removes debris and oils from the surface of your aquarium water line which promotes gaseous exchange and deeper light penetration within the aquarium. Along with the SSK-65’s surface skimming ability, the unit also includes a small sponge block for mechanical filtration and a quiet, energy efficient submersible pump with adjustable flow. This Surface Skimmer is easy to install and its compact size and suction cup mounts make for flexible placement anywhere along the surface of the aquarium. Flow Rate: 65 GPH. Power: 2. 5 Watts. Tank Capacity: Up to 100 Gallons.

• This surface skimmer is easy to install and its compact size and suction cup mounts make for flexible placement anywhere along the surface of the Aquarium.
• Along with the SSK-65’s surface skimming ability, The unit also includes a small Sponge block for mechanical filtration and a quiet, energy efficient submersible pump with adjustable flow.
• Flow rate: 65 GPH
• Power: 2. 5 watts
• Tank capacity: up to 100 gallons

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this fit a BioCube
Answer:	Yes it would
Question:	is this unit self adjust for different water level
Answer:	About an inch of play really. The plastic top that slides in the top of the unit is about 2 and1/2 inches long, so it can handle an inch fluctuation either way. This didn’t work for me since my sump water level raises about 5 inches when I turn off my return pump for feeding. IMO this is a great in tank skimmer for 75 gallon or less, but not great for a sump in my case.
Question:	Will this fit in a biocube
Answer:	This is a surface skimmer, not a protien skimmer. I beleive you are inquiring about a skimmer that will fit in the skimmer chamber of a bio14. This is different device than what you seek
Question:	Can the suction cups be replaced
Answer:	I don’t see that they can. You can figure out a work around with plasti-molded magents though. Worked just fine on my older skimmer.

Product description

Seaclone's exclusive turbo-venturi injector system mixes filtered water and air in the pump impeller chamber, creating a froth of micro-bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency and improved gas exchange. Air and water swirl together in the vortex reaction chamber, creating a powerful tornado effect that rapidly draws dissolved wastes from aquarium water. The spiraling air/water mixture propels protein-laden bubbles upward, where they burst to form a frothy solution.

• PROTEIN SKIMMER Mini vortex skims and removes dissolved wastes from marine aquariums
• POWERFUL & EFFICIENT Turbo-Venturi Injector System with Maxi-Jet 1200 pump form protein-laden bubbles
• VERSATILE INSTALLATION External hang-on or in-sump installation
• CAPACITY Works with any marine aquarium up to 100 gallons

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this skimmer come with a pump
Answer:	Yes. comes with a power head and is ready to go out of the box
Question:	is this item loud its going in a bed room
Answer:	yes it will be loud in bed room you should leave it living room
Question:	Does this run on 220v
Answer:	No
Question:	this hangs on the back of a tank
Answer:	Yes. You need about four inches of clearance (the width/depth of the skimmer) behind the tank. Mine is the 150, but I think the only difference between the 100 and the 150 is the length of the tube, not the width/depth of the skimmer. I had to get a replacement because I fried the pump impeller, but both systems have worked well and have not leaked.

Product features

Instant Ocean SeaClone Protein Skimmer, External Hang-On or In-Sump

SeaClone exclusive Turbo-Venturi Injector System mixes filtered water and air in the pump impeller chamber, creating a froth of micro-bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency and improved gas exchange. Air and water swirl together in the Vortex Reaction Chamber, creating a powerful "tornado" effect that rapidly draws dissolved wastes from aquarium water.

• Protein skimmer that mixes filtered water and air in the pump impeller chamber, creating a froth of micro-bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency and improved gas exchange
• Spiraling air/water mixture propels protein-laden bubbles upward, where they burst to form a frothy solution
• Dissolved organic compounds are trapped and contained in the high-capacity collection chamber

Product description

The Coralife Super Skimmer 65G 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. 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. This unit is designed for aquariums up to 65 gallons, and adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting or in-sump setup.Large neck for efficient foam production and control

• Patented needle wheel aspiration system
• Wide neck collection cup with easy twist feature for effortless cleaning
• Dual injection inlets increase bubble/water contact time
• Bubble production diffuser to prevent the flow of micro-bubbles into main aquarium
• Can be used in sump or with hang on mounting bracket
• Refer user manual for troubleshooting steps

User questions & answers

Question:	Did you get the model just like the picture (Red and Yellow Box) or the newest model (blue and purple box
Answer:	I received the blue and purple box.
Question:	will this be ok on a 55gal tank
Answer:	Yes, I am using that on my 55 gal tank, sometimes I even turn it off during the day time.
Question:	I bought this skimmer - 65 gallon version about 6 months ago and now it is not working. Does this have any sort of warranty
Answer:	I have all of the versions of the coralife super skimmers 65g, 125g, and 220g. I have found first off, they are good skimmers, they do need regular cleaning and maintenance, especially with salt buildup in the air line leading into the pump, salt builds up over time and slowly chokes off the air supply to the needle wheel impeller. I have found the the 65g does require cleaning a little more often than the other models. I hope this helps, clean out the pump, remove and scrub off the impeller being careful not to bend the needle wheel.
Question:	hello , what is voltage 220 v or 110 v
Answer:	It was purchased as a gift for use in USA so it is 120V check with manufacture for multi voltage use

Product features

Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump, 65 Gallon

The Coralife Super Skimmer 65G 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. 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. This unit is designed for aquariums up to 65 gallons, and adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting or in-sump setup.

Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump, 125 Gallon

The Coralife 125G Super Skimmer is a high-performance foam fractionator designed with a patented needle-wheel impeller and aspirating venturi. An improved energy saving pump increases the performance of the skimmer without increasing power demand. 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.

Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump, 220 Gallon

The Coralife 220G Super Skimmer With Needle Wheel Water Pump Up To 220 Gallon Tank. Include An Easy Twist Collection Cup Water Level Adjustment Dial and Bubble Production Diffuser. Remove organics from the tank before they break down.

Product description

The Macro Aqua M-50 Hang-on Protein Skimmer is for up to 60 gallon aquariums (depends on stocking). This protein skimmer will effectively eliminate organic waste. The M-50 operates easily, where there will be no need to prime (just plug-and-play). The collection cup can be removed easily to dispose waste. This beautiful skimmer will surely please your tank.

• High quality protein skimmer for up to 60 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

User questions & answers

Question:	About how long is the intank part that go in the tank
Answer:	I’d say it’s Approximately 7-8” deep down inside the tank total.
Question:	How can I get the overflowing bubbles from the top to stop? I think I have both nobs on the power setting but it still bubbles up and out
Answer:	Return it mine was working perfectly for about 3 months and then drained about 15 gallons out of my aquarium had to empty aquarium move it dry out all and replace carpet nightmare
Question:	Can someone give me the total width of the intake and discharge on the back? i need it to fit into an area 4.75" wide
Answer:	For a fluval edge 12g? I'm looking for the same thing. I've been looking for a year. Considering cutting off the glass top entirely.
Question:	Does this put out much of a water flow I’m planning to put seahorses in a 5 gallon nano tank and they can’t take much water flow has to be for the qui
Answer:	No it doesn't, but do not recommend for a 5 gal. Please don't place a seahorse in a 5 gallon. It should be 30 at the least

Product features

Macro Aqua M-50

The Macro Aqua M-50 is one of the best protein skimmers for saltwater aquariums.

The Macro Aqua M-50 Hang-on Protein Skimmer is for up to 60 gallon aquariums (depends on stocking). This protein skimmer will effectively eliminate organic waste. The M-50 operates easily, where there will be no need to prime (just plug-and-play). The collection cup can be removed easily to dispose waste. This beautiful skimmer will surely please your tank.

Product description

Skims dissolved proteins to curb nutriet and film build up. This will improve water quality, oxygen exchange, and light penetration. Includes a 5W, 110GPH pump. Works with freshwater and saltwater aquariums. No additional part needed. 110V only.

• Flow rate: 110 GPH
• Energy efficient 5W pump
• Skims surface build-up to improve water quality
• Great for freshwater planted aquariums
• Works with both freshwater and marine

User questions & answers

Question:	What are the dimensions of this
Answer:	top to bottom 6in. left to right 2.25in front to back 2in I use it as a skimmer only. it woks great on my 300+ tank. hope this helps.
Question:	I bought one for my 55 gal aquarium. How can the drip tube on the side stays on? It just call off
Answer:	I used some plumbers tape on mine. I had the same issue where it would just come off.
Question:	Can you put in this the sump
Answer:	I suppose you could hang it in a sump.
Question:	Does this oper as stand alone or does it need to hook up to main filter
Answer:	Stand alone. It does not need to be attached to a different filter.

Product description

Reef octopus pinwheel/needle wheel skimmers provide you with a high performance features in an easy to use package. Better foam production is provided by hailea otp pumps. New pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance. 4 inch cone-neck eases transition from bubbles into collection cup. Easy cleaning is provided by quick-release neck. Gate valve allows for easier water level adjustments. Designed for in sump use only.

• 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

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work hang on aquarium? I don't have a sump
Answer:	Hello ER, No this needs to be in a sump and in about 8inch of water. There are some hang on the back skimmers though, just keep looking.
Question:	Will this fit a Waterbox 35.1 sump
Answer:	not too sure
Question:	model number is INT which is installed inside sump but photo is an EXT which is installed outside. Which one is it
Answer:	No. The photo is a INT. It is a Internal sump protein Skimmer.
Question:	How deep does the water have to be in the sump
Answer:	According to the enclosed directions: 180-200 mm/7-7.9 inches for the 110-INT 200-220 mm/7.9-8.7 inches for the 150-INT & 200 INT

Product description

It will remove oil/dirt film effectively. The skimmer filter will work in 10 ~ 250 liter or 2.6 ~ 66 gallon aquarium. The inlet float has an enclosed design, so it will automatically adapts to water level. Nano Surface Skimmer for Aquarium.

• Flow Rate: 2.6~66 gallon
• The inlet float has an enclosed design, so it will automatically adapts to water level
• Clear Body for easy to monitor

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this hang on back (hob
Answer:	No, its internal with suction cups, very simple to setup and maintain. It has been working flawlessly, my tank bottom has cleared up nicely and so has the surface.
Question:	Is this item submersible
Answer:	yes
Question:	What’s the gph
Answer:	Don't remember exactly, but it's a typical small aquarium pump, approx. 80 GPH. It's quite powerful for a small tank. I put the diffuser on my 20L tank.
Question:	Can you use this in place of a filter and run it
Answer:	It only skims the water surface, will not efficiently take the place of a filter (internal power filters, hang on back filters, external filtration units such as canister filters) to clean your aquarium water. It’s only a supplementary unit to remove surface dirt and film. However, you can run it 24/7.

Product description

The NEW AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 is an upgraded and more-powerful version of AquaMaxx`s best-selling HOB-1. With an enlarged bubble diffusor and reaction chamber, the new HOB-1.5 is able to fully harness the power of the Shark 1.0 pump to maximize foam production and protein extraction. The custom conical bubble diffusors help minimize the turbulence inside the reaction chamber and help to direct water linearly up toward the collection cup. More waste than ever is pulled out of your aquarium and into the easy-to-remove collection cup. AquaMaxx skimmers are computer-precision engineered and utilize the latest filtration technology to deliver the performance and value you are looking for in a protein skimmer. EASE OF USE AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 protein skimmers is easy to setup and maintain. Just move the collection cup up or down to adjust the foam level to wet or dry. Maintenance is simple. A removable collection cup makes cleaning easy. Plus, every AquaMaxx protein skimmer includes a drain fitting for hobbyists who want to setup a separate reservoir for skimmate. Water quality and consistency is crucial to the success of a marine aquarium. An AquaMaxx HOB Series I protein skimmer will help to ensure that success. COMPACT DESIGN AquaMaxx protein skimmers were designed from the ground up with the hobbyist in mind. AquaMaxx HOB Series I protein skimmers have the pump placed inside the skimmer itself to save space, reduce noise and improve efficiency. Each unit is precision-cut and made of polished cell-cast acrylic. PERFORMANCE AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 Skimmers feature high-quality Italian-made Sicce pumps. Each Sicce pump motor block is then modified and fitted with proprietary AquaMaxx needle wheel impellers. With the precise modifications and upgrades, performance is boosted much beyond that of a stock pump. The upgraded AquaMaxx ‘Shark’ pump is capable of drawing in significantly more air and chops them up to the optimum bubble

• Dimensions: L 7.5 x W 3.5 x H 17 Inch
• Minimum tank height 10-7/8"
• Requires approximately 4" of clearance to remove collection cup.
• Fits aquarium rims up to 3/4" thick.

User questions & answers

Question:	Will it fit in the back chamber of a biocube 32 gallon
Answer:	I can't tell you that for sure but this is a bit much for that tank. They make a smaller version of this. I have this on a 75.
Question:	Anyone figure out the bubbles issues? I can't get them to stop
Answer:	As Tom Campbell said, get a 1/4 inch Barb Valve from Home Depot used for drip irrigation and zip tie it to an inch of the yellow hose you have to cut off. You can then regulate the airflow just like every other protein skimmer ever made. Horrible inexcusable design flaw. Valve costs less than 2 bucks. Also look into the output bubble filter thing they sell as an option. The first time I turned this thing on was a catastrophe.
Question:	How do u connect the collection drain pipe intoe xternal drain
Answer:	The lid for the right side of the skimmer has a air hose and silencer for the Venturi and on the lid it has a corner missing. That corner would be turned where the overflow pipe can slide in to the chamber. And it’s not a cup drain, it’s purely an overflow so if the cup isn’t changed the skimmate won’t run in the floor, it will overflow back in to the skimmer.
Question:	Will this unit fit if you have a canopy top or does it sit back far enough to clear the canopy
Answer:	What do you mean by canopy top? If you mean one with hinges that goes opens toward the back of the tank, the skimmer is at 90 degrees so it would be close. You also have to account for the plumbing going into the tank. I have a biocube 32 and it does not work with the lid. If you have more questions or this doesn’t help PM me on IG @ bhmcubereefer

• The metal pipes give superb appearance to your aquarium. Make an elegant curve line in your aquarium
• Surface skimmer removes surface scum effectively
• Made of 304 stainless steel, harmless, sturdy, against rust, corrosion resistance. Easy to clean, remove convenient assembly
• 17mm outer diameter fit for the canister filter tubing of 5/8" (16/22mm). Compatible with Eheim, Tetra and other filters
• Package included: 1x stainless steel surface skimmer inflow, 1x stainless steel lily pipe outflow, 2x acrylic fixture

User questions & answers

Question:	will it be able to reach the bottom of a 45cm tank? thank you
Answer:	No, it won't reach the bottom of a 45 cm tank. This was designed to skim the surface and draw from the mid-water levels. Detritus on the bottom of the tank should be removed with a siphon.
Question:	Will this rust over time, or does it have some kind of protective coating
Answer:	304 Stainless has a slightly greater chance of rusting in salt water, but this is made of stainless steel. Normal cleaning to remove algae would remove any hint of rust. 304 is very resistant to rust in fresh water.
Question:	Can anyone speak to the relative performance of this vs the fluval surface skimmer? it seems like they all are require frequent attention
Answer:	Hi! I looked up the schematics of the Fluval Surface Skimmer and after reading how it works I got a good picture. I have a metal lily pipe in my 46G and it does the same thing as the Fluval Skimmer. The only difference between the two is that on the lily pipe the the skimmer is integrated with the In-Take. It has a floating plastic skimmer than is about 6-8 inches long which adjusts to the water level on its on. The performance of the skimmer truly amazing, you can even adjust how much water flow you want going throw the skimmer by closing turning clockwise the bottom In-Take. I hope this helps. I truly recommend it.
Question:	Will mounting clamps fit on American style tanks? Not just the rimless ones in the photos
Answer:	The clamps were designed for a rimless tank. I think my tank is an Aqueon with a black plastic rim. I was able to trim the inside hood ledge of the plastic rim on the tank with a box knife to allow the clamps to fit. Not perfect, but it is inside and in the back of the tank. No one can see it. The hood still fits and the clamps seem quite sturdy.

Product features

Mirror Polishing

Give superb appearance to your aquarium.

Acrylic Surface Skimmer

Well made, would not hurt fish and shrimp.

Made of 304 Stainless Steel

Harmless, sturdy, against rust, corrosion resistance.

Thicker tube wall - 1.25mm thickness, more stronger.

Adjustable Intake Flow

Removable, rotate around to adjust flow.

Double Clamping Connector

Prevent the canister filter tubing from falling off.

Removes scum effectively

Keeps the bio film off your planted tank.

It can clean up all the surface debris.

Product description

The Fluval Aquarium Surface Skimmer draws water from the surface of the aquarium eliminating undesirable surface films. Since the Fluval Surface Skimmer doesn't contain metal parts, marine aquariums in particular that do not employ a surface overflow will substantially benefit from the implementation of the Fluval surface skimmer.

• Works to eliminate undesired surface films
• Helps improve oxygen exchange
• Removes organic waste from the surface
• Helps keep your aquarium water clean and clear
• Simple to use

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this fit tetra whisper ex
Answer:	Yes I do believe this would fit on the Whisper EX 70.
Question:	Will this work on a pennplex
Answer:	Depends on what diameter the PennPlex 1500 input hoses are; which I believe has a 5/8” inner diameter. This Fluval accessory should fit snugly around the hose. You may need to warm up the hose under some warm / hot water to soften it to make figment easier. Be careful of hot water as it can scald. Happy fish keeping!
Question:	How far down in the water does this go
Answer:	It all goes under water
Question:	Is this skimmer compatible with a Penn-Plax 1000 canister filter
Answer:	I know nothing about that particular filter. Depends on the hose size, and flow rate I suppose. You can adapt anything hose wise, but too much flow would be difficult for this.

• The IOAOI protein skimmer is equipped with an LED controller. The operation and the status could been seen easily. The water flow of the pump could be adjusted as required. And there are 20 gears, the power consumption of which is from 19W to 38W.
• 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.
• 38W pinwheel DC water pump adopts advanced frequency conversion technology, high efficiency and energy saving. Ultra quiet. Multi-gear adjustment.
• Constructed of high-quality cast acrylic to guarantee long life. For in sump use only.
• Foot Print/Height: 11.8*8.8/21.5 in. Recommended sump water depth: 7" to 9".

User questions & answers

Question:	How is this skimmer working out? also is this skimmer dead sil is this skimmer dead silent...meaning no humming or anything
Answer:	It’s amazing, and it’s dead silent
Question:	What puump would i use to replace a broken one
Answer:	Bubble magus 600 or stronger. Hope that helps.
Question:	Why is bigger skimmer more money or is this an error
Answer:	Hi there, thank you for your interest. It's bigger so it's equipped with a larger pump for better reaction. And it needs more acrylic raw materials. It's bigger so it costs more sea freight and final delivery fee. The bigger one overall costs more so it needs more money. Thanks.
Question:	How big is the cup
Answer:	I have the BIG one and the cup is about 4 inches tall and 7 inches across

Product features

Note please

Most of the protein skimmers are equipped with alternating current "AC" pumps (the type of power that comes out of your wall outlet). The IOAOI Direct current “DC” pumps have several key advantages over traditional AC pumps. Most notably, you can adjust the rotational speed of the motor which controls the air and water flow rates into the skimmer as required. And it converts alternating current to 24V direct current, which would be safe to you and your marine organisms.

Product description

• Compact size makes this skimmer ideal for mini-reef aquariums up to 30 gallons
• Allows for placement inside the aquarium or in the filtration compartment with ultra-quiet operation
• Proven needle-wheel impeller design increases the air-to-water contact
• Quick-lock design makes it easy to open housing for cleaning, and the built-in channel conceals the grounded power cord
• Includes an adjustable bracket that fits standard aquarium frames and suction cups for optional mounting inside the aquarium
• 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

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this fit in the first chamber of a nuvo fusion 20 gallon
Answer:	Hi John - We've never tried in the aquarium you mention. Like we state in the first bullet point on the Amazon product page it's really best you measure the filter box area on your tank and if you have a space at least 3.5" Wide x 3.5" Deep then our skimmer should fit as long as your tank doesn't have a hinged canopy since the skimmer will sit above the tank frame and the canopy wouldn't be able to close. Ken @ Aquatic Life
Question:	would this fit on a normal 20g reef tank
Answer:	yes it will fit on any standard 20 gallon tank you will just have to notch out a part of the plastic frame pretty easy i just used a pair of pliers
Question:	Can this be used in a 220V outlet
Answer:	No it uses 120v AC at 60Hz
Question:	Will this fit in the first chamber of a coralife bio cube 29 gallon tank. does it need to be modded? can you have the full hood/lid and close it
Answer:	It will fit without any modification, but i dont know about the hood. I have moded my tank to a rimless look, so i dont use the hood.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this come with a cleaning brush
Answer:	Comes with a stainless steel flexible double ended bristles
Question:	I’m new to lily pipes - my tank is very shallow (9.5in tall not including substrate). will this work for me or is it too tall
Answer:	This lily pipe is not suitable for small tanks. Sorry it cannot put in your tank.
Question:	How do I get the slimmer to stop sucking air
Answer:	You have to “bounce” it up and down kinda fast so the air bubble underneath the skimmer pops and it stops floating
Question:	Has anyone had to replace the acrylic surface skimmer part? Just the floating peice. I can't find one anywhere online
Answer:	I'd like to know too

Product features

Ideal tool to have for any planted aquarium

• The skimmer is an essential tool to have for any planted aquarium. It effectively removes the layer of biofilm that is on the surface of an active and lively tank.
• It has a self-floating, 360-degree inflow design that automatically adjusts water levels and effectively removes biofilm.

Skimmer body is made of high-quality glass

• Skimmer Glass is made with the highest quality laboratory-grade borosilicate glass and is an artistically hand-blown unique piece
• This nearly invisible piece of equipment replaces all the plastic distractions in your tank, allowing you to recreate a more natural environment for your fish.

Highly transparent acrylic for the floating part

• The floating part and the unit for adjusting the ratio between surface extraction and intake in the lower part are made of highly transparent and durable acrylic
• The floating part has a self-floating, 360-degree inflow design that automatically adjusts water levels and effectively removes biofilm.