Bets Nano Protein Skimmers Review: Top-5 Reliable and Effective Options
Nano saltwater aquariums are one of the hottest trends of 2020. While being small and compact, they look gorgeous. That said, they still require proper maintenance, as marine fish are very demanding of the quality of water they live in. A Nano protein skimmer is a useful device that helps keep the water clean, fresh, and free of organic waste.
Table of Contents:
What Is a Nano Protein Skimmer and How It Works
The Best Nano Protein Skimmers: a Comparative Chart
Top-5 Nano Protein Skimmers 2020: Our Choice
1. Tunze USA 9004.000 Doc Skimmer
2. Hang-on Protein Nano Skimmer by Eshopps
3. Aquatic Life 115 Mini Internal Protein Skimmer
4. IceCap K2-50 Protein Skimmer
5. Hydor USA SlimSkim Internal Skimmer for Mini Aquariums
Frequently Asked Questions
Verdict and Recommendations
What Is a Nano Protein Skimmer and How It Works
A protein skimmer works as a magnet for small particles of organic waste, which is usually accumulated on the water surface, forming a thin film. A skimmer looks like a glass tube, which is submerged in the water. Air passes through the tube under pressure and forms myriads of tiny bubbles. The bubbles rush to the water surface together with the waste that gets stick to them. After that, the waste gets into a special collection cup placed above the water. As a result, the waste is physically removed from the aquarium. Simultaneously, the skimmer mixes up and aerates the water, improving its quality.
The Best Nano Protein Skimmers: a Comparative Chart
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice  | Tunze USA 9004.000 Doc Skimmer
| Check Price |
Also great  | Hang-on Protein Nano Skimmer by Eshopps
| Check Price |
Also great  | Aquatic Life 115 Mini Internal Protein Skimmer
| Check Price |
Also great  | IceCap K2-50 Protein Skimmer
| Check Price |
Also great  | Hydor USA SlimSkim Internal Skimmer for Mini Aquariums and Mini Reefs
| Check Price |
Top-5 Nano Protein Skimmers 2020: Our Choice
The specifications of a protein skimmer should correlate with the size of the aquarium. Thus, owners of small fish tanks need to choose small skimmers. We’ve prepared a list of great Nano protein skimmers that are worthy of consideration.
Tunze USA 9004.000 Doc Skimmer
This small and quiet skimmer effectively removes a thin film from the water surface and produces thousands of tiny (up to 0.3 mm) bubbles. It can be used in combination with an air filter or as a standalone option. The device is easy to install and comes with magnetic holders.
What we think
The skimmer does its job well but it needs regular cleaning, as the hose tends to become crusted with salt from inside. The magnet holders are strong enough. Keep in mind, also, that in very small tanks, the skimmer can occupy too much space.
PROS
- small and quiet;
- effectively removes the surface film;
- easy to install;
- strong magnet holders.
CONS
- needs regular cleaning;
- not for very small tanks.
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Hang-on Protein Nano Skimmer by Eshopps
This hang-on skimmer is designed specially for small fish tanks of 10-35 gallons. It proudly made in the USA, which means it complies with modern safety and quality standards. An adjustable magnet mount is included.
What we think
The skimmer does its job well. It is compact and lightweight; the magnet mount is strong and easy to adjust. However, it needs to be adjusted thoroughly with regard to the water level. Otherwise, it will create excessive bubbling.
PROS
- compact and lightweight;
- quiet operation;
- easy to mount and adjust;
- effectively removes organic waste.
CONS
- needs regular adjusting;
- there are complaints about leaks.
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Aquatic Life 115 Mini Internal Protein Skimmer
If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution, then the Aquatic Life 115 mini protein skimmer is just what you need. Thanks to its small size, it is perfect for mini-reef tanks. The device is powered by a needle-wheel impeller, which increases the effectiveness of water aeration.
What we think
All in all, this option by Aquatic Life is great value for money. It fits in most small and medium-sized tanks and does its job pretty well. Some customers complain about excessive microbubbles; however, this is a typical issue for all new skimmers. Over time, bubbling reduces. Also, it tends to be a little louder than its counterparts, so, if you are annoyed with it, you should think of a damper.
PROS
- good price/quality ratio;
- effective and easy to use;
- small and compact;
- fits in mini-reef tanks perfectly.
CONS
- a bit too loud;
- can produce excessive foam when new.
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IceCap K2-50 Protein Skimmer
IceCap offers a medium-priced in-sump aquarium skimmer for small tanks. Thanks to a small footprint, it fits in most aquariums easily. It is quiet, easy to adjust, and requires minimal maintenance.
What we think
The skimmer is effective and does its job on a decent level. It is not completely noiseless, though the noise level is moderate. On the minus side, the acrylic body seems thin and flimsy. Also, the kit contains no instruction, so you may need to Google for the information on its installation.
PROS
- very small and compact;
- reliable and effective;
- small footprint;
- easy to adjust.
CONS
- the acrylic parts are thin and flimsy;
- relatively noisy.
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Hydor USA SlimSkim Internal Skimmer for Mini Aquariums
Hydor SlimSkim is remarkable for low energy consumption and compact size. It makes the device a great option for Nano reef aquariums. It allows to adjust both air flow and foam level, which adds flexibility. Like all Hydor products, it is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What we think
This is definitely a very good skimmer for the money. It is so easy to use, and the mounting system is included. Some customers complain about vague instructions and noisiness.
PROS
- small and easy to use;
- fully adjustable;
- energy-saving and affordable;
- a 2-year warranty.
CONS
- the instruction is not very detailed;
- can be noisy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the best protein skimmer is important. However, it is equally important to use it in the right way. Make sure you’ve studied the manual and checked the answers for frequently asked questions.
Q: How to Set up a Nano Protein Skimmer?
A: Use the instruction to assemble a protein skimmer correctly. Then try to plug it in for a second just to make sure it works. Depending on the type of your device, mount in on the tank’s wall or inside the sump.
Q: How to Tune a Nano Protein Skimmer?
A: Depending on the model of a skimmer, you may need to adjust either the airflow (if possible) or the water level in your tank. If a skimmer produces too much foam, try to place it a bit lower in the water or reduce the airflow.
Q: How to Clean a Nano Protein Skimmer?
A: The collection cup needs to be cleaned regularly – in Nano skimmers it usually gets full of skim every day or every other day. Just switch off the skimmer temporarily, detach the cup, remove the dirt collected, and wash the cup in clean water. Then attach it to the skimmer and switch it on. At least twice a year, it is necessary to disassemble the skimmer and wash all its parts in hot soapy water.
Q: When to Add a Nano Protein Skimmer?
A: A protein is not a mandatory piece of equipment for a fish tank. If you have a freshwater aquarium, you can do without it. However, it is strongly recommended to use protein skimmers in saltwater tanks. Marine fish are much more sensitive to the quality of water: they just can’t survive if the water contains many impurities.
Verdict and Recommendations
The skimmers reviewed are effective and reliable devices that easily fit in most small and Nano fish tanks. Our top choice in this category is Aquatic Life 115 Mini. It effectively purifies marine water and provides good aeration, thanks to its improved impeller. With that being said, it comes at a very attractive price, which makes it one of the best Nano protein skimmer options to consider.
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