I hope you agree with me when I say…
Protein skimmers can take otherwise average reef tanks into exceptional and beautiful aquariums. That being said, protein skimmers are often the most confusing and difficult pieces of equipment to buy.
In this guide, we review the top candidates for the best nano protein skimmer on the market and analyze their respective strengths and weaknesses. Keep reading for the only complete nano protein skimmer review guide out there.
Best Nano Protein Skimmers
In the past, finding a good protein skimmer for nano tank was next to impossible. Small skimmers just couldn’t put out the power required for good results. Over the last few years, though, huge progress has been made. Here are our top candidates for the best nano protein skimmer on the market:
1. Tunze USA 9004 DOC
The USA 9004 DOC is made by Tunze, a trusted brand in the reef keeping hobby. They are known for producing amazing skimmers, so there is no doubt that their line of nano protein skimmers are all top notch. The Tunze USA 9004 DOC is a more powerful version of the 9001, yet still offers a small, compact design that runs remarkably quiet.
This nano protein skimmer is rated for tanks between 20 gallons (for heavy bioload) and 65 gallons (for light bioload). It utilizes a Flash-Skimming technique that runs quietly and efficiently. The 9004 DOC also does a great job at removing the dreaded “top-layer film” that plagues a lot of reef tanks. For this reason, this Tunze is a great all-in-one package.
Pros
- Produces more skim than any other nano protein skimmer on our list, making it extremely effective compared to other units
- Skims the water surface, removing the film layer on the top of your tank that is often very hard to get rid of
- Easy to clean and take apart; relatively simple
Cons
- There were a few reports of bubbles leaking out of the unit, but this is a huge deal since it is an in-tank skimmer
- Lots of micro bubble present during the first few days of use
2. Comline DOC 9001
It’s no surprise that another Tunze nano protein skimmer makes the list. The Tunze Comline Doc is an energy efficient, compact skimmer that really packs a punch, making it perfect for high-stocked nano and all in one tanks. It is rated for tanks between 5 and 37 gallons.
Like the Tunze 9004, the Comline DOC 9001 uses a “Flash-Skimming” technique that generates a large amount of bubbles while staying extremely quiet. You won’t have to worry about noise with this unit. In addition, Tunze’s anti-overfoaming patented feature ensures than none of the dissolved organics collected by the skimmer will return back into the water column.
Pros
- Very small, compact, and quiet
- Doesn’t require a long break in period; several users report this skimmer producing skim within the first few hours
- Anti over-foaming feature ensures that dissolved organics won’t be released back into the tank
- Doesn’t require constant adjustments like other nano protein skimmers on the market
Cons
- Water line needs to be kept precisely correct or the skimmer won’t work correctly
- Produces a lot of micro bubbles when first set up, but they tend to disappear once the skimmer is broken in
3. AquaC Nano Remora
The AquaC Nano Remora is the miniature version of the extremely popular Remora hand-on-back model. The Remora is one of the most trusted hang-on-back skimmers on the market, so it is no surprise that the Nano version is awesome as well.
The AquaC Nano Remora is one of the smallest skimmers on our list, rated for tanks between 5 and 25 gallons. If you are looking for a nano protein skimmer on the larger side, this definitely isn’t the best choice for you. Despite its small size, this unit still packs quite a punch. Once it’s broken in (can take 1 or 2 weeks), the Nano Remora pulls skim like a champ.
Pros
- Very powerful for such a small unit, removes nitrates and nitrites quickly
- Large collection cup, meaning less frequent cleanings
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Only useful for tanks up to 25 gallons at the most
- Can be very noisy, definitely not the quietest option on the market for nano protein skimmers
- Produces TONS of micro-bubbles for the first few days
4. AquaMaxx WS-1
The AquaMaxx WS-1 is one on the most trusted names when it comes to nano protein skimmers. It is built extremely well and can be considered a “plug-and-play” model, meaning it takes little adjustments to work correctly. Simply plug in the WS-1, sit back, and witness the results.
Based on the quality, performance, and ease of use, the AquaMaxx WS-1 should definitely be at the top of our list; so why isn’t it? It is an in-sump skimmer, so its not a great choice for those will AIO tanks. If you do have a sump, though, look no further; the WS-1 is an amazing choice. Few other nano skimmers on the market can compare to this one.
Pros
- Removes much more skim than other nano protein skimmers on the market
- Plug-and-play, ready to go right out of the box
- Works from day one and doesn’t require a long break in period
- Very quiet and smooth
- Doesn’t require constant adjustments or cleanings
Cons
- Is only suitable for those with sumps, though it does fit in the back chamber of the larger BioCubes
5. Eshopps Nano Skimmer
The Eshopps Nano is a well-build, compact nano protein skimmer made for tanks up to 35 gallons. It is built to fit in the back filter chambers of most AIO reef systems (Biocube and IM Nuvo Fusion are both compatible), but can also be installed in any sump. Unlike most protein skimmers, the Eshopps Nano comes stock with a high-quality Sicce pump, which is leagues above what most other manufacturers use in their skimmers.
Due to its compact size, the Eshopps Nano is a great choice for those with all in one tanks. Though it can take a bit of adjusting and tinkering just right, this skimmer works like a charm once set up. That said, it is not the quietest option on our list.
Pros
- Compact and able to fit in the back chambers on nearly any All-in-One tank
- Very good build quality, made out of thick acrylic material that doesn’t feel fragile at all
Cons
- Water line has to be kept right on target for the skimmer to pull correctly
- Kind of a gamble in terms of noise – some users claim it is silent while others claim it is very loud
- Takes a bit of messing around with to get it set just right
- Magnet connector is pretty weak
6. Hydor Slim Skim
The Hydor Slim Skim is another skimmer that has made quite a name for itself in the hobby. It comes in two sizes, one suitable for tanks up to 35 gallons and the other for tanks up to 65 gallons. Each model only uses 4 and 6.5 watts of energy respectively, so you won’t have to worry about either heating up your tank. The Hydor can be placed right into the tank or in any back filtration chambers.
This nano protein skimmer pulls from the surface of the water, eliminating any film on the top of your tank. It is a little larger than other models on our list, but its pretty sleek and doesn’t take away from the look of the tank too much.
Pros
- The body is made out of solid, high-quality materials
- Easy to set up and clean – nothing too complicated when it comes to assembly
- Design is sleek and looks great in the tank despite its larger size
Cons
- There are quite a few reports of the pump failing after 6 months of use
- Some users report that it is quiet while others report that it is loud – seems to be luck of the draw whether you will get a quiet one or not
- Doesn’t seem to pull as much skim as it should
- Relatively large
7. Bubble Magus QQ1
Bubble Magus is a very popular brand when it comes to larger, more intense skimmers. Their Bubble Magus QQ1, though, is a small, affordable skimmer rated for tanks up to 25 gallons. As you can probably tell, the design of this skimmer is unlike any other on the market. In addition, it features a great needle-wheel Rock SP600 Pump that delivers a fair amount fo power.
The best thing amount the Magus QQ1 is the convenience factor. All you have to do is hang it on the side of your tank (doesn’t take up valuable tank space) and turn it on. In terms of noise, it is not loud but also not quiet. You will notice it, but not in an annoying way. On the flip side, this skimmer is a little limited in terms of ability. It definitely doesn’t pull as much skim as other options on the market. For the price, though, the Magus QQ1 is a great choice as long as your expectations are reasonable.
Pros
- Extremely convenient, simply hang on your tank and turn on – doesn’t take up valuable tank space
- One of the least expensive skimmers on our list
- Small and compact
Cons
- Limited in terms on skimming power – produces good skim but not that optimal dark brown color
- Only suitable for tanks that are less than 12mm thick
- Not quiet, but not loud – somewhere in the middle in terms of noise
8. AquaticLife Internal Mini 115
The AquaticLife Internal Mini 115 is a small, budget friendly nano protein skimmer for tanks up to 30 gallons. It is compact and features a needle wheel impeller to maximize air-to-water contact. Though it is technically rated for tanks up to 30 gallons, it functions best in set-ups between 10 and 20 gallon.
Be prepared to mess around with the AquaticLife 115 to get it working at full capacity. It tends to be a little more finicky than other on our list. In addition, you will probably notice a lot of micro-bubbles for the first few days with this unit. After the break in period (takes around a week), this skimmer should function fine. It’s definitely not the best on the list, but its much more affordable than other models. I tend to think of the 115 as more of a starter skimmer.
Pros
- Small and compact (a few modifications are necessary if you want it to fit in a BioCube though)
- Very affordable
- Great started skimmer for those just getting into the hobby
Cons
- Very sensitive and takes a bit of messing with to get just right
- Produces tons of micro-bubbles for the first few days
- Tends to stop pulling skim sporadically
9. Coralife Biocube Protein Skimmer
I know, I know…the Coralife Biocube skimmer definitely doesn’t have the best reviews out there. In my opinion, though, it is great for younger aquarium owners who are setting up their first saltwater tank. A friend gave me one of these when I was setting up my first reef tank and it was a great learning experience.
The Coralife BioCube skimmer is by far the smallest unit on the market, so it can be installed right into the back of any tank. It is a plug-and-play unit, so all the necessary equipment is included. It won’t pull the best skim, but it’s a great option if you don’t mind messing around with it. In addition, it is very affordable. Is long as you’re not expecting a top-of-the-line skimmer that is going to pull cups of skim out of your tank each day, there’s not much harm in picking up one of these. If you are buying specifically for performance, definitely go with a different model on our list; this isn’t for you.
Common Questions about Nano Protein Skimmers
Nano protein skimmers can be kind of consufing. Here are the most common questions reef tank owners have about nano protein skimmers:
How do protein skimmers work?
Protein skimmers are actually pretty amazing pieces of technology. They leverage an action that takes place naturally in the ocean and apply it to home aquariums (we will talk about this a little later).
In short, protein skimmers work by injecting thousands and thousands of tiny bubble into the water column. These bubble bind to dissolved organics in the water (broken down food/waste sticks to the walls of the bubbles). As the tiny bubbles raise to the top of the skimmer, the “dirty” ones overflow into the collection cup. There it is, a nano protein skimmer in action!
I mentioned before that this happens naturally in the ocean, but how? Waves.
As waves crash into the shore and stir up water, they produce thousands of micro bubbles just like protein skimmer. Ever notice how the foamy froth produced by waves on the beach is usually very dirty and nasty looking? This is the same stuff that a protein skimmer pulls out of your tank. Pretty interesting, right?
Do I really need a protein skimmer?
Protein skimmers are not an absolute necessity if you’re just setting up your reef tank. If you only plan to keep soft and LPS corals, you can get by without a protein skimmer. That being said, keeping your tank running smoothly will be much tougher without a skimmer. Here are some of the drawback of not owning a protein skimmer:
- You will have to do more water changes, most likely weekly
- More live rock will be needed for increased biological filtration
- More frequent tank cleanings due to algae growth
You can get by without a protein skimmer, but that doesn’t mean it should be done. I know I know…protein skimmers are expensive, but you will probable end up spending more on live rock/water changes by not owning a skimmer.
What are the benefits of using a protein skimmer?
Protein skimmers clean your tank like no filter media/chemicals can. Here are a few of the benefits of nano protein skimmers:
- Increased levels of dissolved oxygen: Contributes to overall better fish and coral health.
- Better light penetration: Light penetration is a factor often overlooked by coral owners. All of the “gunk” that your skimmer removes was once floating around in your tank, blocking light from reaching your corals.
- Decreased algae growth: Algae is the biggest enemy of aquarium owners. By removing the algae’s food, protein skimmers inhibit algae growth and contribute to a better looking tank.
- Better water clarity: Protein skimmers remove particles from the water that other filtration devices simply can’t touch. By removing these dissolved particles, protein skimmers will have your water looking clearer than ever.
- Decreased levels of dissolved organics: Dissolved organics lead to tons of problems, especially in reef tanks (high phosphate levels, algae growth, poor light penetration, etc.). Protein Skimmers remove the dissolved organics that usually passes through mechanical filtration.
Why isn’t my skimmer collecting any sludge?
I see this question all the time.
When you just set up a nano protein skimmer, chances are you won’t see any sort of results for the first few days. Protein skimmers, especially nano versions, require a “break in period” in which they adjust to your tank and start producing skim. If you don’t see anything for a few days, don’t panic; it is completely normal.
What sort of maintenance does a nano skimmer require?
Nano protein skimmers usually don’t require too much maintenance, mostly because they are relatively small. That said, there are a few things you should do to make sure your skimmer runs smoothly:
- Clean out the collection cup daily: This is the most important thing when it comes to maintenance. Nano protein skimmers usually have pretty small collection cups, therefore they need to be emptied pretty often. You do not want this sludge, often called “skim”, to overflow back into the tank. That would completely eliminate the point of running a skimmer in the first place.
- Make sure the intake pump stays clean: Not as big of a deal as cleaning the collection cup, but still important. Make sure the intake pump/hose stays free of debris and able to suck water.
Important Tip: Don’t “scrub” the inside of the skimmer or collection cup too often. By cleaning these part too much, your protein skimmer will have to “break in” again as the coatings build up on the inside. Simply emptying the collection cup and swishing it around in a cup fo tank water should be more than sufficient.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoying our reviews of the best nano protein skimmers on the market. In terms of performance, all of these brands should work great at cleaning your tank (with the exception of the BioCube skimmer). Enjoy your newly improved tank and happy reefing!
