There are many uses of a protein skimmer for nano tanks. But buying from a reliable and foolproof manufacturer has to be your top priority. But lucky for you, I’ve compiled a quick run-down of the best nano protein skimmers that are trustworthy and effective.
Protein skimmers do the amazing task of cleaning the tank for your fish. By getting rid of toxic chemicals that a tank brimming with colorful coral and invertebrates doesn’t need. Such as tannins, dissolved organics, and chemical components.
An aquarium filter doesn’t get rid of these chemicals effectively as well as nano protein skimmers. That’s why its need and use are of great importance to fish tank owners.
Quick Summary
Top 5 Best Nano Protein Skimmers
1. ESHOPPS Nano Protein Skimmer – Best Fast And Quiet Performance Skimmer
- Quiet performance
- Adjustable height with magnetic mount
- Removable Bubble Trap
- SICCE Needle wheel pump w/ 3 yr. warranty
The ESHOPPS Nano Protein Skimmer is a user’s favorite because of its super-silent performance. It’s fit for multiple tank sizes including 10 to 35-gallon tanks. The footprint of the skimmer is convenient. And it comes with an adjustable height, plus a strong magnetic mount.
It’s portable and compact to use. Relatively speaking, for a nano protein skimmer, the ESHOPPS stays sturdy and quiet. If you’re searching for a good high-quality skimmer, that can accommodate small to large tanks without causing a fuss, the ESHOPPS is a brilliant pick.
The design shares many advantages because of its small but ergonomic footprint. It is powerful thanks to the effective magnetic mount. Everything that a Nano Protein Skimmer can do, this tiny powerhouse makes it possible at a more affordable cost.
Rating its cleaning abilities, the ESHOPPS can do really well under pressure and otherwise. It produces excellent foam even when you place it about half an inch below the tank’s water line.
It begins its magic within 24 hours of installation and activation. You may have to tweak the settings just to get it right but you’ll notice a huge difference within the first week. It works not only faster than your standard Nano Protein Skimmer. But it performs more efficiently too.
Setting it up takes less than 5 minutes, even for a larger gallons tank (about 35 gallons). While it’s normal for skimmers to have a ‘break-in’ period, the ESHOPPS takes only 2 hours to break in, regardless of the size of the tank.
ESHOPPS Nano Protein Skimmer is a solid kind of product. While you do need to install and tweak its settings every now and then, it’s not much. So it is a set-it-and-forget-it type of tank filter accessory that gets the job done for a long time.
2. Comline DOC 9001 Protein Skimmer – Best Compact And Sturdy Design Skimmer
- For fittings refer to user manual.
- Compact Size
- Energy Efficient
- Includes magnet mount
The Comline DOC 9001 is a versatile and multi-functional pick. While it’s a dependable skimmer for nano tanks, I have found it productive for AIO tanks as well. It’s easy to install and breaks in faster and stays consistent for a longer time.
The thing that it does really well it removes microbubbles from the water effectively. After installation, it starts showing good results in under 24 hours. And most importantly, the important parts that keep the filter going are safely tucked inside the main housing.
This makes the Comline quite sturdy and space-saving as well. You don’t have to worry about any part damaging when the slim and sleek design prevents premature wear and tear.
Follow the installation instructions in the manual that Comline provides you. This will yield far better results than what you’re used to doing on your own. I understand that there can be a lot of confusion about the best way to install a skimmer in the tank. But the manual provides straightforward and effective tips to make the skimmer work perfectly.
The Comline is slightly different from the others because it features an air pump and not the conventional motor. So you will notice a few design changes in the Comline during installation. There’s an air inlet hose that connects to the impeller so attaching the magnetic mount might take about a minute or so longer.
The cleaning performance is quiet and efficient. Using air pump technology, this best nano protein skimmer does a fantastic job from the get-go.
It doesn’t take up extra room, so I highly recommend this to all nano tank and AIO tank owners. The magnetic mount does come with a height adjustment setting so it can fit multiple tank sizes. It’s suitable for tanks as small as an 8 gallons tank and a spacious 24 gallons. It’s fitted with ergonomic parts such as the hood and light and mount so it’s built to last for a long time.
3. Aquamaxx WS-1 In-Sump Protein Skimmer – Best User-friendly Functionality Skimmer
- EASE OF USE AquaMaxx WS-1 protein skimmers are easy to setup and maintain. Just move the collection cup up or down to adjust the foam level to wet or dry.
- COMPACT DESIGN AquaMaxx protein skimmers were designed from the ground up with the hobbyist in mind. The AquaMaxx WS-1 protein skimmer have the pump placed inside the skimmer itself to save space, reduce noise and improve efficiency.
- PERFORMANCE The AquaMaxx WS-1 protein skimmer relies on a superbly crafted Italian Sicce Syncra pump and AquaMaxx needlewheel impeller to vigorously remove waste from your fish or reef tank.
- Pump(included): Shark 1.0 | Pump power consumption: 11 Watts | Filtration Rating: up to 65 Gallons (light bioload) or 30 Gallons (heavy bioload) | 1 year warranty | 120 volt USA plug
- Footprint : L 5.9" x W 3.2" | Height: 14" (excluding collection up) | Collection Cup Height: 5.5" | Recommended Water Level: 8"-10" |Requires approximately 5.5" of clearance to remove collection cup
Do you prefer something more attractive and functional? Then the Aquamaxx WS-1 In-Sump Protein Skimmer is for you. It features straightforward and smooth functionality. With quick and effective maintenance that’s uncomplicated to carry out.
Protein skimmers of this caliber are often too complex and challenging to maintain. But the Aquamaxx is intricate yet effortless to use. With quick adjustments, you can move the collection cup up or down based on the water’s level. This also allows you to adjust the foam level of the skimmer for seamless and effective filtration.
This In-Sump Protein Skimmer’s relatively high price tag does also accommodates larger gallon tanks. It includes an active, professional-grade pump system equipped at handling up to 65 gallons without causing a fuss.
The water filtration system is pro-active and works consistently without skipping a beat. Thanks to the impressive Italian Syncra pump and impeller that keeps the strong design going.
If there’s one thing I wouldn’t mind altering or upgrading about this protein skimmer, it would be the overflowing. You need to keep a bucket by its side because it does overflow when the upper chamber fills up. But overall, the skimmer works perfectly well after solving this small problem. And it runs so smoothly and quietly, you will hardly notice this minor flaw!
You wouldn’t expect a skimmer to charm your socks off, but this does so perfectly. It features a great design, versatile fit, and produces a rich and consistent skim within 12 hours of installation. So it’s definitely a fast one.
Its thin profile is also compatible with thin and sleek tanks so you have nothing to worry about. Clean-up is quick and easy. It keeps the tank pure, bright, and transparent for longer with fewer water changes. Plus, it’s so powerful, it prevents premature wear and tear because the pump is placed inside the housing. So it stays protected and efficient for longer.
4. Mame Design Nano Protein Skimmer – Best Ultra-slim Design Skimmer
Finding a nice and productive skimmer shouldn’t have to be so difficult. And buying the Mame Design Nano Protein Skimmer certainly makes things easier. It’s perfect for slim and sleek nano tanks brimming with corals and invertebrates. The ideal place for a skimmer like the Mame Design.
Moving on, the Mame Design is a compact yet powerful choice. It’s built specifically for ultra-thin nano tanks – up to 30 gallons. It’s equipped with tubes that offer a higher pressure but using less energy and making practically no noise. Because it is a gas exchange skimmer, it’s perfectly serene and safe to use.
The high-pressure tubes boost filtration while also ensuring effective exchange and dissolution of oxygen in the tank, regardless of how small its size is.
The enclosed and transparent design brings forth complete vibration-free performance for a consistent period. And with a focus on the design of most nano tanks, the Mame Design also replicates the sleekness and aesthetics of style. So it’s attractive to look at with seamless functionality.
And why shouldn’t it look stylish especially considering that it’s made in Japan? Japanese designs are always minimal yet functional, leaving the user completely floored by its simplicity yet expertise in design.
That’s what I felt looking at and using the Mame Design Protein Skimmer. It features all-in-one filtration, reducing micro-bubbles, and intensifying skim at the top of any nano tank.
The air pressure system uses limewood air stone to create a perfect frothy skim. This also does an awesome job of maintaining the froth and preventing premature wear and tear.
Having said that, I would recommend buying an air pump to enhance the overall efficacy of this nano protein skimmer. It does one hell of a job driving the filtration system and keeping your aquarium easy to maintain for a long time.
5. Simplicity Store 120DC Protein Skimmer – Best Commercial-grade And Sizeable Skimmer
- Adjustable DC pump speed
- For tanks up to 120 gallons
- Cone shape design
- Collection cup drain with cap
- 3 year pro-rated warranty: 100% coverage first year 50% coverage second year 25% coverage third year
This high-end protein skimmer works efficiently and quietly. It is an all-rounder pick for anyone looking for a foolproof and dependable brand. Not only does it work effectively, but I can also guarantee that it is an upgrade from your previous skimmer.
It features an adjustable high-pressure pump. And a super-authentic and flawless filtration mechanism that supports tanks up to 120 gallons! Plus a 3-year warranty for its ultra-sleek and ergonomic cone-shaped design.
If this isn’t the best your money can buy, I don’t know what is. The Simplicity Store offers an entire kit – everything you need to know about and use a protein skimmer for your nano tank. The collection cup is equipped with a stable cap for better draining. This also boosts maintenance, making it less complicated for a beginner to tackle.
With minimum fluctuations, which is normal in a high-pressure protein skimmer, I found no problems with the DC motor. It really focuses on producing rich foam while keeping the air and water levels in check.
With regards to noise levels, the motor runs fairly quietly. The only sound it produces comes from the air silencer and even that’s not too much.
The only bother, however, was the long break-in time. But considering how efficiently it performs after, I don’t see that as a major nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is a nano protein skimmer different from a regular fish tank filter?
Not every fish tank needs a nano protein skimmer the way it needs a water filtration system. Having said that, a protein skimmer is specifically designed for saltwater aquariums as they work effectively and efficiently.
A nano protein skimmer produces air bubbles that are a combination of air and water molecules. This type of filtration destroys fish waste, organics, and other chemicals. These are unpleasant and not neet in a saltwater tank. What it also does is break down food particles and color pigments that can turn clean, transparent tank water into slimy, yellowish colors.
Another benefit of using a nano protein skimmer in a saltwater tank is fewer water changes. Combined with a conventional water filtration setup, a nano protein skimmer prevents mold and decay.
This encourages you to add more colorful, bright objects inside the tank for decoration. And you don’t have to worry about the fish swimming around and through exciting toys such as tunnels, caves, plants, etc.
2. How many types of nano protein skimmers are there?
You can decide which nano protein skimmer you’d like based on their mounting options. It could be on the filtration mechanism. A strong magnetic mount can do wonders for your fish tank. Hang-on or internal, submersible protein skimmers are compatible with all major fish tanks. But what works for you depends on the size and shape of the tank.
While plenty of beginners opt for a hang-on protein skimmer for narrower and smaller tanks. It’s best to go for the submersible, internal protein skimmer for long-lasting and effective results.
Then you have skimmers that aid gas exchange to dissolve oxygen in the saltwater. Such as high-pressure nano protein skimmers that work more efficiently. And they also offer proper filtration during the summer months.
3. How much time do nano protein skimmers take to work?
The average time for a nano protein skimmer to work is around one week. For the nano protein skimmer to break in right after installation is a slightly long process. It takes about 4-7 days for the nano protein skimmer to fully break-in. And this is the time also when you still start seeing alterations in the water.
I hope you know that the ‘break-in’ period of any nano protein skimmer, affordable or expensive, is unavoidable. You cannot accelerate the time it takes to get accustomed to the water in your aquarium.
More importantly, you should read the manual of the nano protein skimmer you do end up buying. It’ll provide you with all the correct information regarding the ‘breaking-in’ process and installation, maintenance, etc.
It is in the manual as well that will let you know how long the ‘break-in’ period is going to be. So you’ll know what to expect when setting up a nano protein skimmer in your aquarium for the first time.
Conclusion
With the help of this article, you can spend less time researching suitable protein skimmers. And more time comparing the best of the best and their professional-grade features.
From quiet and fast operation to an ultra-sleek and slim design, this list covers all your needs and expectations of nano protein skimmers. Just because a nano protein skimmer is one of the smallest things you can buy for your aquarium doesn’t mean it’s not an advanced and effective tool.
Annette M. Chaney is an experienced marine biologist with over 20 years of experience as an aquarist and fishkeeper. She started her first aquarium at a young age, filling it with frogs and goldfish obtained from the ten-cent pet store.
Annette grew up caring for and breeding African Cichlids, which led to a hobby in high school that doubled as a profitable means. Attending Reed College gave her time to solidify herself as an accomplished aquarium caretaker with an eye for sales. After that, from 2009 – 2013, she studied at Roger Williams University – one of the most prestigious universities for Aquaculture and Aquarium in USA. She is the founder of AquariumCircle since 2010.