We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy
Home
All Categories
Pet Supplies
Fish & Aquatic Pets
Protein Skimmers

10 Best Protein Skimmers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer

Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer

REEF

9.9 score

Check price

The Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer is designed for aquariums up to 150 gallons, making it a suitable choice for hobbyists with medium-sized tanks. One of its standout features is the Aquatrance 2000 Pinwheel Pump, which enhances efficiency and ensures excellent performance when it comes to removing organic waste from the water. The bubble diffusing chamber and full cone body design help stabilize foam production while minimizing turbulence, which is beneficial for achieving cleaner water and better filtration results. Additionally, its compact size (12.4" x 8.7" x 22") makes it a space-efficient option for in-sump installations.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,351
Tank Size Compatibility
Build Quality and Materials
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
70 reviews

Tank Size Compatibility
Highly recommended for tanks around 125 gallons, consistently producing dark, thick skimmate.
Build Quality and Materials
Constructed with quality materials, the skimmer is durable and well worth the price.
Ease of Maintenance
Routine maintenance is simple, especially when cleaning the collection cup every few days.
Noise Level
While not completely silent, the noise level is minimal and not disruptive.
#2
9.8 score

AquaReady Hang On Back Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums HOB-1.5, Up to 75 Gallon Fish Tank Filtration, Hang On External, Adjustable, Ultra Quiet Pinwheel Pump

AquaReady Hang On Back Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums HOB-1.5, Up to 75 Gallon Fish Tank Filtration, Hang On External, Adjustable, Ultra Quiet Pinwheel Pump

AquaReady

9.8 score

Check price

The AquaReady HOB-1.5 protein skimmer is designed for saltwater aquariums up to 75 gallons, making it a solid choice for small to medium tanks, especially if your aquarium is within the specified rim thickness and height. As a hang-on-back (HOB) type, it’s easy to install without taking up extra space inside the tank. It features an innovative bubble plate that improves air and water mixing, helping to efficiently remove nutrients and keep your tank water clear.

Rating
9.8
Tank Size Compatibility
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate
Build Quality and Materials

Most important from
31 reviews

Tank Size Compatibility
Delivers crystal clear water quickly, clearing cloudiness within an hour while efficiently removing dissolved proteins and waste.
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate
Produces a small amount of microbubbles initially, but these can be managed with minor modifications like sponge filters.
Build Quality and Materials
Construction is robust and well thought out, with thick, high-quality materials and tightly fitting parts ensuring durability.
Ease of Maintenance
User-friendly assembly and tuning make setup surprisingly simple compared to other skimmers.
Noise Level
Operates whisper quiet, making it one of the rare skimmers that balances strong performance with minimal noise.
#3
9.8 score

Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums

Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums

Simplicity

9.8 score

Check price

The Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer is a versatile and efficient option for saltwater aquariums, suitable for tanks up to 240 gallons. Its adjustable DC pump speed allows for customized performance, which can be particularly useful for different tank setups and bioloads. The skimmer's cone shape design enhances its efficiency by improving the air and water mixing process, resulting in better skimming performance. Additionally, the small footprint makes it a good choice for aquariums with limited sump space.

Rating
9.8
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate
Build Quality and Materials
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
138 reviews

Air Intake and Water Flow Rate
The proven design is efficient at generating microbubbles, and the funnel effectively channels skimmate.
Build Quality and Materials
Well made and simple to assemble, the skimmer has a quick break-in period and feels substantial right out of the box.
Ease of Maintenance
The large collection cup with a drain simplifies maintenance, allowing for easy emptying without removing the cup.
Noise Level
The unit operates quietly, especially when the pump is tuned to the environment, making it nearly silent.

Top 10 Best Protein Skimmers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4

REEF

Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer

Tank Size Compatibility: 150 gallons
Type of Skimmer: Protein Skimmer
Build Quality and Materials: Good
Ease of Maintenance: Easy maintenance
Noise Level: Somewhat noisy

Check price

Chosen by 1351 this week

#2
9.8  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

AquaReady

AquaReady Hang On Back Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums HOB-1.5, Up to 75 Gallon Fish Tank Filtration, Hang On External, Adjustable, Ultra Quiet Pinwheel Pump

Tank Size Compatibility: up to 75 gallons
Type of Skimmer: hang-on-back (HOB)
Ease of Maintenance: adjustable collection cup
Noise Level: ultra-quiet

Check price

#3
9.8  score
Slide 1

Simplicity

Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums

Tank Size Compatibility: up to 240 gallons
Type of Skimmer: Protein Skimmer
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate: adjustable DC pump speed
Build Quality and Materials: robust, stainless steel
Ease of Maintenance: collection cup drain with cap

Check price

#4
9.7  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

REEF

Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer

Tank Size Compatibility: 250 Gallons
Type of Skimmer: in-sump
Build Quality and Materials: Acrylic
Ease of Maintenance: straightforward

Check price

#5
9.6  score
Slide 1

REEF

OCTO Classic BH-2000 Protein Skimmer

Tank Size Compatibility: up to 208 gallons
Type of Skimmer: hang-on skimmer
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate: efficient air and water flow
Build Quality and Materials: durable acrylic
Ease of Maintenance: manual cleaning required
Noise Level: moderate

Check price

#6
9.5  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

MagTool

MagTool Aquarium in-Sump DC Protein Skimmer, with Controllable DC Pinwheel Pump for Up to 50-100Gal Reef Tank (N100 Plus)

Tank Size Compatibility: 50-100 gallons
Type of Skimmer: In-Sump DC Skimmer
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate: 265 GPH
Build Quality and Materials: Plastic, Metal
Ease of Maintenance: Compact size may make access tricky
Noise Level: Near-silent operation

Check price

#7
9.4  score
Slide 1Slide 2

Simplicity

Simplicity 120DC Protein Skimmer

Tank Size Compatibility: up to 120 gallons
Type of Skimmer: Protein Skimmer
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate: adjustable DC pump; max 360 L/hr
Build Quality and Materials: black, clear, white; solid build
Ease of Maintenance: collection cup with drain, cap
Noise Level: quieter than traditional AC pumps

Check price

#8
9.2  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

IOAOI

In Sump Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums with O3 Intake, DC Pump for 80-100 Gallons Fish Tank

Check price

#9
9.1  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

IOAOI

Protein Skimmers for Saltwater Aquariums, Hang On Protein Skimmer for Fish Tanks up to 80 Gallons, DC Pinwheel Pump with Controller, Not for Rimmed Tank

Check price

#10
8.9  score
Slide 1

Simplicity

Simplicity 540 DC Protein Skimmer

Tank Size Compatibility: medium to large saltwater tanks
Type of Skimmer: protein skimmer
Air Intake and Water Flow Rate: adjustable DC pump
Build Quality and Materials: solid, durable materials
Ease of Maintenance: thumbscrew assembly, drainable cup
Noise Level: quiet operation

Check price

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Protein Skimmers

Choosing the right protein skimmer for your aquarium is crucial for maintaining a healthy and clean environment for your aquatic life. Protein skimmers help remove organic waste before it breaks down into harmful substances, ensuring better water quality. When selecting a protein skimmer, consider the size of your tank, the type of skimmer, and the specific needs of your aquarium inhabitants. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Tank Size CompatibilityTank size compatibility refers to the range of aquarium sizes that a protein skimmer can effectively service. This is important because using a skimmer that is too small for your tank will result in inadequate waste removal, while an oversized skimmer may be inefficient and waste energy. Skimmers are typically rated for specific tank sizes, such as up to 50 gallons, 50-100 gallons, or over 100 gallons. To pick the right one, match the skimmer's rating to your tank size, ensuring it can handle the volume of water and the bioload of your aquarium.
Type of SkimmerThere are several types of protein skimmers, including hang-on-back (HOB), in-sump, and external skimmers. The type of skimmer is important because it determines how and where the skimmer will be installed in your aquarium setup. HOB skimmers are ideal for smaller tanks or those without a sump, as they are easy to install and maintain. In-sump skimmers are designed to be placed inside a sump and are suitable for larger tanks with more complex filtration systems. External skimmers are placed outside the tank or sump and are often used in large or commercial setups. Choose the type that best fits your aquarium's design and space constraints.
Air Intake and Water Flow RateThe air intake and water flow rate of a protein skimmer determine its efficiency in removing waste. Higher air intake and water flow rates generally mean better performance, as more water is processed and more waste is removed. Skimmers are often rated by their air intake in liters per hour (L/h) and water flow rate in gallons per hour (GPH). For smaller tanks, a lower flow rate may be sufficient, while larger tanks will benefit from higher rates. Consider the bioload of your tank and choose a skimmer with appropriate air intake and water flow rates to ensure optimal performance.
Build Quality and MaterialsThe build quality and materials of a protein skimmer affect its durability and longevity. High-quality skimmers are typically made from materials like acrylic or high-grade plastics, which are resistant to corrosion and wear. This is important because a well-built skimmer will last longer and require less maintenance. When evaluating build quality, look for sturdy construction, reliable seals, and quality components. Investing in a well-made skimmer can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance refers to how simple it is to clean and maintain the protein skimmer. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping the skimmer functioning efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. Skimmers with easily accessible parts, simple disassembly, and clear instructions are easier to maintain. Consider how often you are willing to perform maintenance and choose a skimmer that fits your routine. A skimmer that is easy to clean will ensure consistent performance and reduce the risk of malfunctions.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a protein skimmer can impact the overall enjoyment of your aquarium. Some skimmers can be quite loud, which may be disruptive in a home or office setting. Noise levels are influenced by the design of the skimmer and the quality of its components. Look for skimmers that are specifically designed to operate quietly, often featuring noise-reducing technologies or components. If you value a quiet environment, prioritize skimmers with low noise levels to ensure a peaceful aquarium experience.

FAQ