Top 15 Best Protein Skimmers in 2023

Saltwater aquariums, especially the reef ones, are truly breathtaking, colorful, and mesmerizing. Offering a tiny piece of the ocean in your indoor space, these tanks soothe the soul and even inspire creativity.

But unlike freshwater aquariums, saltwater tanks are not easy to maintain. From retaining the water’s pH level to the filtration system, almost everything is taken up a notch with saltwater and reef tanks.

Thankfully, there are dozens of prolific tools that can make the whole keeping and maintenance process a whole lot simpler and easier on your end. And, one of the must-have tools for saltwater aquarists is the protein skimmer.

If you want to have a thriving environment for your marine plants and fish, investing in the best protein skimmer is an absolute must.

And guess what? I am going to share a ton of valuable insights and tips to help you score the best protein skimmer for your aquarium.

What Is A Protein Skimmer?

Before I unveil my top picks, let us first discuss the role and importance of a protein skimmer in saltwater aquariums.

Protein skimmers, or also known as foam fractionators, are the workhorse of saltwater aquariums. They have been around for quite a long time, and are often used in fish stores, aquaculture faculties, public aquariums, and large tanks.

The science behind how it works is somewhat complex and mind-boggling, involving protein charges as well as hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules.

It is going to take forever and pretty boring to understand the whole process. And, to be honest, it is unnecessary to learn it.

To make it simple, the protein skimmer is a mechanical filtration unit designed to maintain excellent aquarium water quality.

With their sophisticated technology and tools, protein skimmers clean aquarium water effectively and eliminate the harmful substances that simple filtration systems cannot remove.

This mechanical filtration unit works by removing organic materials from your aquarium’s water, including waste products from aquatic creatures, as well as toxins and excess bacteria from corals.

Additionally, it keeps the algae in your aquarium from overgrowing, and it minimizes the nitrate buildup that threatens corals and other marine species.

And, it lets the light, whether natural or artificial, shine more brightly and stunningly through the aquarium’s clear water.

It is generally called a “protein skimmer” since it uses the protein polarity to remove a variety of organic compounds.

In summary, here is a shortlist of the perks of using a protein skimmer.

• Improves overall health for aquarium inhabitants.
• Dissolved oxygen increases.
• Algae growth is contained.
• Coral coloring is brighter.
• Water clarity is better.
• pH levels are more stable.

Types Of Protein Skimmers

Protein skimmers are available in a variety of types. To help you select the best protein skimmer, I have listed down the common types of this mechanical filtration unit.

Hang On Back (HOB)

As the name suggests, this protein skimmer is hung on the aquarium’s back using brackets. This option is compact and is pretty easy to fit in the tank.

In Tank

With this protein skimmer type, you do not have to worry about drained tanks or wet floors since it is mounted in the aquarium. Plus, it comes with an air pump that helps in cleaning the tank water. On the low side, it takes up a great deal of space in your aquarium.

In Sump

This variety cleans your tank water without having to literally expose the protein skimmer. The sump functions as a reservoir that cleans and circulates the water at the same time. For the most part, it is deemed as the most powerful protein skimmer.

External

It works quite the in sump skimmers. These units are designed to be placed outside the tank and to feed the cleaned aquarium water back to the tank sump.

Best Protein Skimmer Comparison Chart 2023

Excited to buy the best protein skimmer for your saltwater aquarium, but do not know where to start? Check out this comparison chart and find a protein skimmer that best suits your preferences and aquarium.

Which Are The Best Protein Skimmers To Buy?

As I have said, this guide was built to make things easier for you. So, if you have some specific needs for your tank’s protein skimmer, check out my suggestions below!

• Best Overall – Bubble Magus Protein Skimmer
  “With its revolutionary needle wheel and outstanding features, Buggle Magus is, no doubt, the best protein skimmer on the market today!”
• Most Energy Efficient – Reef Octopus 110 Protein Skimmer
  “Engineered carefully, this protein skimmer is amazingly energy-efficient, silent, and durable.”
• Best HOB Protein Skimmer – AquaMaxx Protein Skimmer
  “Not only is it extremely powerful, but it is also super durable, thanks to its premium quality acrylic housing.”
• Best for Nano Tanks – Comline Protein Skimmer DOC
  “This remarkable protein skimmer, with its prolific needle pump and compact size, is the ultimate filtration system for nano aquariums.”
• Most Versatile – Coralife Protein Skimmer
  “Installable as an HOB or in sump, this protein skimmer impresses users with its needle wheel impeller and dual injection inlets.”
• Most Compact – SCA 302 Protein Skimmer
  “Suitable for 180-gallon aquariums or less, this compact skimmer has a rather powerful pump and also operates quietly.”
• Best Budget – Reef Octopus 100 Protein Skimmer
  “This wallet-friendly skimmer is not just an affordable HOB, but also energy efficient.”
• Best in Design – Reef Octopus 202-S Protein Skimmer
  “With its beautiful acrylic case, this protein skimmer is both gorgeous and incredibly functional.”

Reviews Of The Best Protein Skimmers in 2023

Like a wise shopper, you should spend some time reading reviews about skimmers before you buy one. Here are some in-depth reviews to help you pick the best protein skimmer for your aquarium.

1. Most Energy Efficient: Reef Octopus 110 Protein Skimmer

With its proficient 9-watt external 1000s pump, this Reef Octopus skimmer is the perfect choice for those who want to save money on their electric bills. Furthermore, it operates quietly, thanks to its air silencer.

Yet, even with its energy-saving motor and silent operations, this protein skimmer has a rate of around 92 gallons per hour, which is ideal for aquariums with a capacity of 130 gallons or less.

And, it has a superior cast acrylic case, meaning it is durable and easy to maintain.

Since it is a hang on back skimmer, it can be installed simply inside the tank while it hangs off the back wall. That makes it so affordable and easy to install because there is no need to purchase a sump.

Key Features:

• Has needle wheel skimmers
• Energy efficient
• Excellent foam production

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	100 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	9W
Height	19.75 inches

2. Best Overall: Bubble Magus Protein Skimmer

Do not let its small size deceive you! Sure, this protein skimmer looks small, but it can manage the enormous waste from reef tanks or heavy fish loads.

As a matter of fact, it can handle large aquariums with a maximum capacity of 140 gallons. The protein skimmer has a plethora of features and tools to make its filtration system so useful, such as its SP100 internal pump and extraordinary impeller.

And, it has a wine-glass-shaped body that provides powerful performance and reduces the turbulence.

Moreover, it is energy efficient using only 8 watts.

Key Features:

• Internal SP1000 pump
• Proficient needle wheel pump
• Sturdy and compact design

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	140 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	8W
Height	18.5 inches

3. Best in Design: Reef Octopus 202-S Protein Skimmer

This Reef Octopus protein skimmer is a dream come true for aquarists. Not only does it boast a sleek and stylish design, but it can also deliver unrivaled filtration to a wide array of aquarium types.

With a maximum capacity of 265 gallons, it is even suitable for many large saltwater tanks.

The model uses a pinwheel pump to create bubbles within the protein skimmer. With this dynamic pump system, the unit draws water at an impressive rate of 211 GPH.

And, despite its immense power and sophisticated features, this protein skimmer is not bulky and is easy to store and install.

Key Features:

• Premium quality cast acrylic casing
• Sleek design
• Strong flow rate
• Superb waste removal techniques

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	265 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	35W
Height	23.2 inches

4. Best HOB Protein Skimmer: AquaMaxx Protein Skimmer

Looking for a small and compact protein skimmer for a nano aquarium? Then, consider AquaMaxx as one of your top options, when looking for the best protein skimmer.

Although it is rated up to about 75 gallons, this protein skimmer fits on aquariums smaller than its rating.

Of course, the skimmer has a host of features to offer to saltwater tank hobbyists.

For one, it is long-lasting, thanks to its solid acrylic casing.

As far as performance goes, the unit does a terrific job of forcing waste, protein, and other organic materials into its collection cup using its needle wheel impeller and Sicce Syncra pump.

Key Features:

• Energy efficient
• Ideal size
• Strong filtration system

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	75 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	11W
Height	17 inches

5. Best for Nano Tanks: Comline Protein Skimmer DOC

Whether you are a newbie or an experienced aquarist, you are going to love this fascinating protein skimmer.

With its exceptional filtration system, this model will make it easy for you to keep your saltwater tank in pristine condition. Even better, the controls of this protein skimmer are positioned well so that users will not have any problems cleaning the tank water.

Durability-wise, this unit is designed carefully and constructed to last for several years.

Additionally, the model is remarkably energy-efficient, which makes it a favorite among practical aquarists.

Key Features:

• Size is compact
• Energy-efficient
• Sturdy acrylic case

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	37 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	8.5 inches

6. Most Versatile: Coralife Protein Skimmer

When it comes to versatility, very few protein skimmers can rival this Coralife model. After all, it is a rare and exceptional model that can be used either as an HOB or an in sump unit.

Plus, it is available in 3 different sizes – 65, 125 and 220 gallons.

Its power is astounding and remarkable as well. The 220-gallon model, for instance, has an external pump with a max flow rate of 500 GPH.

Besides its dynamic pump, the unique also has an impressive needle wheel impeller as well as an aspiration venturi that brings in the air.

To top it all off, the unit’s dual-injection system makes it more potent by increasing the water and bubble contact time.

Key Features:

• Dynamic needle wheel that effectively removes organic compounds and fine proteins
• Dual injection system
• Top-notch filtration system

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	65, 125 and 220 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	20.75 inches

7. Most Compact: SCA 302 Protein Skimmer

They do not call SCA 302 as one of the best protein skimmers for nothing. With its compact design and max capacity of 180 gallons, this protein skimmer is suitable for a multitude of saltwater tank sizes.

In addition, it is loaded with handy features that will make saltwater fishkeeping painless and a breeze.

This protein skimmer has a potent Atman 2000 pump that proficiently delivers high volumes of bubbles required to dissolve the waste and organic matter in the tank water.

Key Features:

• Pump is powerful
• Perfectly large cups for collection
• Silencer

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	180 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	18 inches

8. NYOS Quantum Protein Skimmer

Most top protein skimmers nowadays have needle wheel impellers. The NYOS Quantum, on the other hand, features a hybrid wheel built using ultra-light materials.

This unique feature combines the upsides of a lattice wheel and a needle wheel.

The model has an 18-watt internal pump that can handle large tanks with a capacity of 265 gallons or less.

With this fantastic setup, the model creates tons of microfine bubbles, ultimately helping dissolve protein and other organic matter.

Even better, the skimmer boasts a few other noteworthy features, including a transparent view reactor.

Key Features:

• Exceptional performance
• Easy to maintain
• Unique wheel impeller technology
• Low power consumption

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	265 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	20.87 inches

9. Macro Aqua Protein Skimmer

This Macro Aqua model is, in essence, a plug and play protein skimmer that barely requires any adjustment. With an impressive water flow of 238 GPH, this protein skimmer is quite remarkable for such a rather small unit.

The pump comes with a needle wheel impeller designed for optimum water scavenging to produce the micro-bubbles needed to eliminate the excess protein and waste.

Furthermore, the unit has a small footprint, meaning this HOB should fit it nicely behind an aquarium that does not have a ton of room between the wall and tank.

Key Features:

• Effectively removes organic waster
• Easy to operate and install
• Compact design
• No priming required

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	60 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	13.5 inches

10. Best Budget: Reef Octopus 100 Protein Skimmer

This compact and sleek protein skimmer is truly a space saver. And, it is a remarkably strong HOB skimmer that can handle tanks up to 105 gallons.

The unit’s pump features a pinwheel design, built to make it a prolific protein skimming machine by maximizing the bubbles produced.

Another thing I love about this protein skimmer is it operates quietly. Not to mention, it has a perfectly-sized adjustable collection cup to make it the best and proficient skim.

Also, the unit’s cup does not overflow or create a mess on your floor because the water flows back to the skimmer once it reaches a particular level.

Key Features:

• Easy to install
• Compact design
• Effectively eliminates waste and excess protein

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	105 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	17 inches

11. CoralVue Protein Skimmer

Searching for an HOB protein skimmer with a large tank capacity? Trust me, you will love this protein skimmer.

Built for medium to large-sized aquariums, CoralVue works quite well in reef and saltwater aquariums with the maximum capacity of 100 gallons.

With a height of 12 inches, this model is on the taller side of the HOB protein skimmers. It is 4 inches wide and around 10 inches long. And, you will need a 4-inch clearance to remove its collection cup easily when cleaning.

To me, this is an excellent choice if you want a bit more power without using an in sump protein skimmer.

Key Features:

• Superior needle wheel skimmer
• Premium quality acrylic case
• Proficient waste remover

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	100 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	9W
Height	21 inches

12. Happybuy Protein Skimmer

If you are looking for something a bit different that can get the job done, then opt for the Happybuy Protein Skimmer.

Not only does it look fabulous, but it also uses a high-performing air-injection system.

In addition, the unit is equipped with a superb SP1 Red Devil pump. It has a power of 7.8W and has a 180 LPH max air intake.

With a footprint of 5.5 by 3.9 inches, this skimmer is a space saver and can be used in locations with small footprint sumps.

Key Features:

• Stylish
• Wide application
• Space-saving design

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	238 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	13W
Height	20.9 inches

13. Marine Color Protein Skimmer

Practical aquarists like me do not exactly care how the protein skimmer looks. Even so, this protein skimmer has caught my eye and also enticed me.

The moment I saw it, I knew I was going to buy it.

With its compact and sleek design, it is truly one of the most fashionable protein skimmers today.

But, astounding aesthetics aside, the model also has a plethora of outstanding and handy features. The cone chamber, for one, is a stable feature that collects the bubbles as well as makes them smooth.

Plus, it has a pinwheel pump that ensures proper water movement and air production.

Key Features:

• Efficient wheel pump
• Space saver
• Cast acrylic case

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	40 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	7.8 W
Height	16 inches

14. Simplicity Protein Skimmer 240DC

With a simple and easy setup, this protein skimmer is the perfect choice for newbies. And, it also features a myriad of features that make saltwater filtration painless and a breeze.

Like most of the best protein skimmers, Simplicity uses a needle wheel to shred air and water to create fine bubbles.

Not to mention, it has a bubble plate, wedge pipe indicator, and air-intake adjuster. And, did I mention that a controllable pump is included as well?

The DC pump is pretty dynamic and powerful. You will also love the digital display in the controller, which displays the current speed of the machine and power consumption level.

Key Features:

• Speed of DC pump is adjustable
• The footprint is small
• Collection cup comes with a cap

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	240 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	19.5 inches

15. IceCap Protein Skimmer

IceCap may not be a household name in the world of aquarists. But, with its remarkable performance and outstanding features, it is bound to become a well-known name when it comes to producing protein skimmers.

Made of superior PVC and acrylic, the model’s body has a turbulence-reducing feature and aids in issues involving excess bubbles.

Ideal for 10 to 30-gallon aquariums, this model performs quite well on marine aquariums too. Plus, it has an incredibly small footprint at 2,75 by 3.2 inches.

Moreover, maintenance and cleaning are so convenient, as it is so easy to disassemble this protein skimmer.

Key Features:

• Small footprint
• Impressive power for its size
• Efficient
• Durable

Product Specifications:

Max aquarium capacity	30 Gallons
Power input	220 to 240 V
Wattage	NA
Height	13 inches

How To Find The Best Protein Skimmer?

Still cannot make a final decision? Here are a few more buying tips that will certainly help you pick the best protein skimmer.

Go For A Reputable Brand

Going with a trusted and popular brand is a safe way to score the best protein skimmer, especially if you are not a savvy tech hobbyist.

You will get a high-quality protein skimmer. And more importantly, an established company also has an excellent customer service team that will help you whenever problems arise.

Check The Skimmer’s Pump

The pump is arguably the most essential part of any protein skimmer. After all, it is the component that produces the bubbles carrying the waste.

The top protein skimmers usually feature a needle wheel impeller – a component that converts incoming air into smaller bubbles.

Exceptional impellers will produce a ton of small bubbles. And, smaller bubbles means the surface area increases, helping eliminate more waste.

The top-quality pumps also run quieter, long longer and transfer less heat to your water tank.

Look For A Large Reaction Chamber

The reaction chamber is where the real action happens. The larger the skimmer’s reaction chamber, the more bubbles it produces. This, in turn, attracts more proteins, increases its contact time, and removes more waste.

Protein Skimmer Size

Always keep in mind the size of the protein skimmer and how it will be mounted on your aquarium.

You should look for a unit that is big enough to handle the whole cleaning process with ease. It, however, should also be compact and should not take a ton of space.

It is vital to pick the protein skimmer based on the tank size as well as the mounting options available.

Consider The Type Of Aquarium You Have

Not all best protein skimmers work well for every type of aquarium. Thankfully, most protein skimmer manufacturers give nuggets of information on whether the unit is ideal for marine tank, saltwater aquarium, nano cube, or nano reef tank.

Take note of this piece of information, so that you will end up having the best protein skimmer for your water tank.

Check The Size Of Your Aquarium

The size of your tank is truly an essential factor that you should put into consideration. Every protein skimmer is rated with the capacity of the water tank it can handle.

Experts and aquarist veterans like me suggest that the skimmer for large aquariums or nano tanks should have a higher capacity than the aquarium itself.

If, for instance, you have a 35-gallon water tank, you should ideally opt for the 100-gallon protein skimmer.

That means you will have more room to clean the water, and the task can be done without stains and in less time.

See The Flow Rate

Rated in GPH (gallons per hour), the flow rate of a skimmer shows how fast it cycles through the aquarium’s water while eliminating the organic waste and debris per hour.

The faster the model’s flow rate, the better since it will clean your aquarium water in the quickest time possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein skimmers the same as filters?

Although they both clean the tank, filters and protein skimmers are different. Protein skimmers virtually remove waste and organic materials before they break down. Filters, on the other hand, do not.

Can I use a protein skimmer in my freshwater tank?

Technically, it is a feasible idea, but I would not recommend it for freshwater tanks. The saltwater’s surface tension makes it easy to create foam and skim it in the unit’s collection cup.

This is quite difficult to do in typical freshwater tanks due to the water’s surface tension difference. And, besides, it is easy to remove organic matter in freshwater tanks by just replacing water.

How often should I clean my protein skimmer?

For optimal performance, make sure to clean your skimmer every 6 months. Also, cleaning it regularly helps extend its lifespan.

Does a protein skimmer provide oxygen to the water?

Though it is nowhere as proficient as a water pump or powerhead, it does create some water movement inside the tank.

Should a protein skimmer run all the time?

Algae, bacteria, corals, and fish continuously release waste, dissolved organics, suspended organic matter, and slime into the tank water.

So, you should run your protein skimmer continuously as well.

My Top Pick

There are dozens of legit contenders to the title of the best protein skimmer. To me, Bubble Magus is, hands down, the undisputed best protein skimmer in the world.

With its innovative technology, this protein skimmer is exceptionally functional and powerful to deliver unparalleled performance. Moreover, it has a host of astounding features, such as its space-saving footprint and a quick-release unit collection cup.

On top of it all, the model has a compact design and is more affordable compared to other premier models.