Updated 2024
Let’s simplify the topic of protein skimmers for beginners:
What is a protein skimmer? A protein skimmer removes proteins and other organic compounds from the water by creating bubbles. These bubbles trap the proteins and carry them to a collection cup, where they are removed from the system.
Do you need a protein skimmer? It depends on your tank setup and stocking level. For lightly stocked tanks, a protein skimmer may not be necessary. However, for more heavily stocked tanks or those with specific filtration needs, a skimmer can be beneficial.
Choosing the right size skimmer is really not too complicated. Consider the size of your tank and the available space in your sump or filtration chamber. Most skimmers are rated for specific tank sizes.
Protein skimmers are commonly placed in a sump, but there are also hang-on-back (HOB) options available, which can be used on various tank types.
There is so much more to consider when choosing the right protein skimmer. I’ve chosen five for this list. Four of them are meant to be placed in a sump, but one is a hang on the back option. Even though they are more expensive, if you can afford it, get a DC powered skimmer.
The thing about skimmers is they aren’t plug and play. You have to tune them over time, and having a DC powered pump allows you to do that much more effectively.
If you really want to nerd out, I made a long video all about protein skimmers for BRS. It’s the one above!
1. Reef Octopus Classic 2000 HOB Skimmer
The only hang on the back (HOB) protein skimmer on this list, this thing is a beast. It’s a beast to look at, it’s a beast to figure out how to maintenance and put together… But above all it’s a beast of a skimmer and works great.
If you have an all in one style tank with a rear filtration chamber and you want to add a skimmer, you either have to get some teeny tiny thing that squeezes into one of the small chambers, or get something that hangs off of the side. Now maybe I just haven’t found the right one yet, but the rear filtration compact skimmers I’ve used just don’t do a great job. But this HOB skimmer does a great job.
I’ve used it on my 40 gallon tanks with great success. Yes, it’s a bit complicated if you are new to skimmers, and the directions aren’t the greatest. But it works.
One thing that is important to remember with all protein skimmers is bigger is not better. Get the right size, and if you are stuck between two, get a skimmer that is rated for a slightly smaller tank.
Here are the recommended size tanks for this skimmer.
Recommended Sizing
- Heavy Bioload – 75 gallons
- Medium Bioload – 100 gallons
- Light Bioload – 175 gallons
Personally I think 175 gallon is a ridiculous number for this skimmer. I used it on a heavily stocked 40 gallon tank and it was perfect!
2. Reef Octopus Regal 150 SSS 6" Space Saving
Protein skimmers can get really expensive. While this one is around $600, it may seem like a ton of money, but it’s mid range price… which is crazy.
But, this skimmer is amazing. I’ve owned it, and I love it. Solid construction, a DC powered VarioS pump with controller, and the icing on the cake, a float valve that attaches to the collection cup which will automatically turn off the skimmer if the skimmate gets to high. I can’t even describe what an amazing feature this is. Not only will it help you if you forget to change out your skimmer cup, but there are a lot of things you will add to your tank that will just cause the bubbles to go crazy and will overflow your skimmer cup. And if that happens, all of that foul smelling nasty stuff that you worked so hard to remove, will just flow right back into your tank.
I used this in a heavily stocked 80 gallon tank and it was just the right size, but here is what the manufacturer recommends.
Filtration Handling
Well Stocked Tank – Rated up to 100 gallons
Medium Stocked Tank – Rated up to 160 gallons
Light Stocked Tank – Rated up to 210 gallons
In order to tune this thing perfectly the first time, check out this video I made for BRS. It makes it pretty simple.
3. Bubble Magus Curve 5
This is the least expensive on my list, and I have used it in two separate tanks. It’s nothing fancy, no controllable pump, but it works. I never had crazy success getting just the right skimmate, but it was better than nothing.
I mean I wish I had a glowing review, but I just don’t. It’s the milk-toast of protein skimmers. Functional and effective, but not the best. It’s small which is nice for small sumps, and it’s easy to control the water height using the long valve.
This line of skimmers is meant to be a bargain, and that’s what you get. It is also designed for smaller tanks.
Curve 5 Sizing Recommendations
- Light Bioload: 120 gallons
- Medium Bioload: 90 gallons
- Heavy Bioload (most common): 55 gallons
I think putting this in a 120 gallon system would be insane. I used it in a 40 gallon tank and it was a good fit. As long as you don’t have super high expectations and want to save quite a bit of money, give this skimmer a try.
4. UltraReef Borei UKB 120
I have not used this skimmer. I have not seen this skimmer in person… But my colleague Thomas has! And he has only good things to say. Ultra Reef is a small brand that makes some high end products. But this one is meant for small tanks but doesn’t sacrifice quality.
I mean for this price point, it is insane that it comes with a DC pump. It’s a modular system meaning it comes apart easy, has non-rusting titanium screws, and is made from a solid PVC… not plastic. Regulating the water level is as easy at twisting the unit on the base.
Recommended for tanks up to:
- Heavy Bioload – 26 Gallons
- Light Bioload – 80 Gallons
If you have a small tank give this a shot. And I’ll put the Thomas video below so you can see it yourself.
5. Simplicity 120 DC Skimmer
I don’t really know how Simplicity does it, but they seem able to make nice looking, high quality products for prices you would find from budget brands. I used their dosing container for a long time, and it was phenomenal.
I haven’t used this one, but Simplicity has engendered my trust. This is their smallest skimmer, and for around $230, they even include a DC pump. And in case you didn’t realize, DC pump powered protein skimmers are so much better than AC powered skimmers.
- Light Bioload – Up to 120 gallons
- Medium Bioload – Up to 90 gallons
- Heavy Bioload – Up to 60 gallons
