The size of a tank is an essential factor to consider when choosing a protein skimmer because it determines the amount of waste that needs to be removed from the water.
The larger the tank, the more waste it produces, and the larger the protein skimmer needed to effectively remove that waste.
Choosing the wrong size protein skimmer can result in poor water quality and potentially harm the health of your aquatic creatures.
For example, if you have a 100-gallon tank, you will need a protein skimmer that is specifically designed to handle that amount of water.
If your skimmer is too small, it will not remove all the waste from the water, causing nitrates and phosphates to build up. However, a skimmer that is too powerful for your tank may remove essential nutrients and minerals from the water.
Therefore, it is important to choose the right protein skimmer for your tank to keep your aquatic animals healthy.
Best Protein Skimmers for 100 Gallon Tank
We have compiled a list of the best protein skimmers for a 100-gallon tank. With so many options available in the market, we have narrowed down the choices to the top performers based on their efficiency, ease of use, and durability.
Here are our top picks for the best protein skimmers for a 100-gallon tank.
1. IceCap K1-130 Protein Skimmer
We highly recommend the IceCap K1-130 Protein Skimmer for those who want a compact and efficient skimmer for their marine aquarium.
Skimmers can be flimsy and poorly made, but the IceCap K1-130 Protein Skimmer is expertly crafted from strong PVC and top-notch acrylic.
The unique turbulence-reducing body, sturdy PVC and acrylic build, bubble dispersant chamber, and innovative pipeless output valve set this product apart from the competition.
This skimmer is perfect for those who have tight sump applications since it has an impressively compact footprint. It is also easy to service since every aspect of the skimmer disassembles completely.
This skimmer is designed exclusively for in-sump installation and requires a water depth of 6″ to 8″ for optimal operation. Some users reported finding black soot-like material in the skimmer and smelling burnt after 5 months of use.
Pros
- Remarkably small footprint
- Efficient and quiet operation
- Disassembles completely for easy cleaning and maintenance
Cons
- In-sump installation only
- Recommended sump water height: 6″ to 8″
- Found black soot-like material in the skimmer and smelled burnt after 5 months of use
2. Aquatop 65 GPH Internal Surface Skimmer
If you need a protein skimmer for your 100-gallon tank, we recommend the Aquatop 65 GPH Internal Surface Skimmer. It’s easy to install, great for both fresh and saltwater tanks, and provides superior filtration.
We were impressed with the Aquatop 65 GPH Internal Surface Skimmer’s ability to remove surface film and oils from the water surface, creating a healthier environment for our aquatic life.
The compact design was easy to install and provided flexible placement thanks to the suction cup mounts for placement anywhere along the surface of the aquarium.
The submersible pump is quiet and energy-efficient, and the small sponge block provides additional mechanical filtration. We appreciated that it was great for both fresh and saltwater tanks up to 100 gallons.
We had to keep a close eye on it because the suction cups are not very powerful. We were concerned that it might eat our shrimp and snails, so we kept a close eye on them. Finally, it may produce microbubbles if the volume is turned up too high, but we did not find this to be a major problem.
Pros
- Removes debris and oils from the surface of your aquarium water line
- Ideal for both fresh and saltwater aquariums up to 100 gallons
- Includes a small sponge block for mechanical filtration and a quiet, energy-efficient submersible pump with adjustable flow
Cons
- Suction cups are not very strong
- May suck up small creatures if not monitored
- May create microbubbles if turned up too high
3. Reef Octopus BH-1000 Protein Skimmer
The Reef Octopus BH-1000 Protein Skimmer on our 100-gallon tank impressed with its performance. The external pump design saves space and prevents water heat exchange, which helps maintain tank temperature. Cleaning and maintaining the pump is quick and easy.
The skimmer is made with high-quality acrylic, which ensures durability and longevity. However, the instructions provided are not very detailed, so it may take some time and patience to set up properly.
The inlet and outlet tubes may be too big for some users, requiring additional adjustments or modifications.
Once properly set up, the Reef Octopus BH-1000 Protein Skimmer works great and effectively removes waste and impurities from the water. However, it may take some time to season and fine-tune for optimal performance.
Pros
- The external pump design saves space and prevents heat exchange to the water.
- Easy removal of the pump makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
- Made with high-quality acrylic for durability.
Cons
- The instructions are not very detailed, making setup a bit challenging for beginners.
- The inlet and outlet tubes may be too big for some users, requiring additional adjustments.
- May take some time to season and fine-tune for optimal performance.
4. Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
We recently used the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer and were impressed with its performance.
The Hailea OTP pumps provided excellent foam production, while the new pinwheel impellers improved their performance by up to 100%. We also appreciated the quick-release neck, which made cleaning easy.
However, we did notice that the base could be more stable, and the gate valve was a bit difficult to adjust. Additionally, it’s important to note that this product is designed for in-sump use only.
Pros
- The hailea otp pumps provide better foam production.
- The new pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance.
- The quick-release neck provides easy cleaning.
Cons
- The base could be more stable.
- The gate valve can be difficult to adjust.
- It is designed for in-sump use only.
5. Maxspect Jump SK400 Protein Skimmer
We recently used the Maxspect Jump SK400 Protein Skimmer in our own 100-gallon tank and were impressed with how efficient it was at removing waste from the water.
The controllable DC pump and dual needle wheel impeller made for a powerful and effective skimming process.
We also appreciated the dual water inlets and water outlets, which allowed us to customize the water flow to our liking and make maintenance easy.
The overflow sensor was also a helpful feature to ensure that the collection cup didn’t overflow and cause a mess.
However, the skimmer does have a large footprint, so make sure you have enough space in your tank for it.
The price point is on the higher end, so it may not be the best option for those on a budget. Some users have also reported difficulty adjusting the water level adjuster, so keep that in mind.
Pros
- The controllable DC pump and patented dual needle wheel impeller make for efficient and effective skimming.
- The dual water inlets and outlets allow for customizable water flow and easy maintenance.
- The overflow sensor ensures that the collection cup doesn’t overflow and cause a mess.
Cons
- The skimmer has a large footprint, so make sure you have enough space in your tank for it.
- The price point is on the higher end, so it may not be the best option for those on a budget.
- Some users have reported difficulty with adjusting the water level adjuster.
Buying Guide
There are a few important factors to think about when deciding on the best protein skimmer for a 100-gallon aquarium. To make sure you buy something that works for you, consider the following details:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of a protein skimmer are important factors to consider. You want to choose a skimmer that is appropriately sized for your tank.
An inefficiently sized skimmer wastes energy, while an excessively large one is wasteful in more ways than one. Choose a skimmer that is suitable for your tank size by first consulting the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Type of Skimmer
There are several types of protein skimmers available, including hang-on-back (HOB), in-sump, and external.
Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. HOB skimmers are easy to install and maintain, but they may not be as effective as in-sump or external skimmers.
The effectiveness of in-sump skimmers is higher, but they may be more difficult to install and take up more room. The best skimmers are external ones, which require a separate pump but come at a hefty price.
Pump Type and Power
The pump is a critical component of a protein skimmer. Look for a skimmer with a high-quality pump that is powerful enough to effectively skim the water in your tank. The pump should also be energy-efficient to help keep your operating costs low.
Ease of Maintenance
Protein skimmers require regular maintenance to function properly. Look for a skimmer that is easy to disassemble and clean.
Dishwasher-safe parts may be available for some skimmers, while others will need to be cleaned by hand.
When deciding on a skimmer, it is important to think about how much time and energy you are willing to put into keeping it in working order.
Noise Level
Protein skimmers can be noisy, especially if they are located in a living area. Look for a skimmer with a quiet pump, and consider purchasing a skimmer stand or vibration dampeners to reduce noise.
By considering these factors, you can select a protein skimmer that is the best fit for your 100-gallon tank.