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
Hero

Top-10 Saltwater Protein Skimmer
Loved in the USA

Handpicked for quality & trusted by thousands of customers
#1
Top Rated in the USA
Simplicity
Simplicity

Born in the USA

Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums

Fast Delivery
9.9
136 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
1 415 bought in past month
#2
Simplicity
Simplicity

Born in the USA

Simplicity 800 DC Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
9.8
1 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
1 313 bought in past month
Last Purchases
L***y
San Diego, CA
4d ago
L***a
Phoenix, AZ
22h ago
Am***ia
Philadelphia, PA
16h ago
#3
OCTO Class
REEF

Born in the USA

OCTO Classic BH-2000 Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
9.7
55 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
1 211 bought in past month
Quality and price are both spot on.
VictorAtlanta, GA
#4
Reef Octop
Reef Octopus

Reef Octopus OCTO Regal 150-INT In-Sump Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
9.6
5 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
1 109 bought in past month
Curated products trusted bytrust us brands
#5
Reef Octop
Reef Octopus

Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer for Aquarium

Fast Delivery
9.4
288 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
1 007 bought in past month
#6
Reef Octop
Reef Octopus

Reef Octopus BH90 Hang on Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
9.3
83 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
905 bought in past month
#7
Protein Sk
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

Fast Delivery
9.1
159 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
803 bought in past month
#8
in Sump Pr
IOAOI

in Sump Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums with O3 Intake, DC Pump for 120-160 Gallons Fish Tank

Fast Delivery
8.9
22 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
701 bought in past month
#9
Reef Octop
Reef Octopus

Reef Octopus Classic 150SSS Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
8.7
62 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
599 bought in past month
#10
Reef Octop
REEF

Born in the USA

Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
8.5
42 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
497 bought in past month

More great picks just for you

Simplicity
Simplicity

Born in the USA

Simplicity 540 DC Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
6
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
395 bought in past month
In Sump Pr
IOAOI

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

Fast Delivery
59
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
293 bought in past month
Reef Octop
OCTO

Reef Octopus eSsence S-130 Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
67
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
191 bought in past month
Explore other best-rated products in this category
Reef Octop
REEF

Born in the USA

Reef Octopus Classic 150INT Protein Skimmer

Fast Delivery
70
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal
89 bought in past month
IOAOI Hang
IOAOI

IOAOI Hang On Back Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums up to 70 Gallons, HOB, External, DC Water Pump, Not for Rimmed

Fast Delivery
24
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

View Deal

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer for Saltwater Aquariums

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,415
Pump Performance
Bubble Production
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
136 reviews

Pump Performance
It's impressively quiet, especially when the pump is tuned to the right setting, making it almost silent.
Bubble Production
This skimmer is efficient at generating microbubbles, crucial for removing organic waste.
Ease of Maintenance
The collection cup is large and easy to empty, either by removing it or using the drain.
Build Quality
The Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer is well made and feels substantial right out of the packaging.

The Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer is designed for saltwater aquariums and fits tanks up to 240 gallons, making it suitable for medium to large-sized setups. Its adjustable DC pump speed allows users to fine-tune the performance based on their specific tank needs.

The skimmer's cone shape design is efficient in bubble production, which is crucial for removing organic waste from the water. The small footprint of this device is an advantage for those with limited space in their sump area. Additionally, the collection cup drain with a cap simplifies maintenance by making it easier to empty waste without frequent disassembly.

The build quality appears robust, utilizing materials like stainless steel, which suggests durability and long-term use. It is essential to note that it's not rated among the top aquarium filters, being #261 in that category. The product's dimensions are relatively large, which might be a consideration if space is a constraint. This skimmer could be an excellent choice for hobbyists looking for a reliable and customizable protein skimmer for their saltwater aquariums.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,415
Pump Performance
Bubble Production
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
136 reviews

Pump Performance
It's impressively quiet, especially when the pump is tuned to the right setting, making it almost silent.
Bubble Production
This skimmer is efficient at generating microbubbles, crucial for removing organic waste.
Ease of Maintenance
The collection cup is large and easy to empty, either by removing it or using the drain.
Build Quality
The Simplicity 240DC Protein Skimmer is well made and feels substantial right out of the packaging.
#2

Simplicity 800 DC Protein Skimmer

The Simplicity 800 DC Protein Skimmer is designed for saltwater aquariums and features an adjustable DC pump speed, allowing users to tailor performance to their tank's needs. Its cone-shaped design helps create efficient bubble production, which is key for removing waste from the water.

The thumbscrew assembly and easy-to-read wedge pipe make maintenance less of a hassle, enabling easy cleaning. The collection cup includes a drain with a cap, making waste removal tidy and straightforward. The pump's adjustability suggests suitability for a moderate range of saltwater tanks.

Build quality appears solid, with practical features aimed at durability and user convenience. This protein skimmer is a good choice for aquarium hobbyists seeking a reliable, easy-to-maintain unit with flexible pump control, especially if simplicity and straightforward operation are valued.

#3

OCTO Classic BH-2000 Protein Skimmer

Rating
9.7
Ease of Maintenance
Build Quality

Most important from
55 reviews

Ease of Maintenance
Very quiet if set up correctly, and the company video on YouTube makes installation easy.
Build Quality
Replaced a cheaper skimmer and has been reliable even before the break-in period.

The OCTO Classic BH-2000 Protein Skimmer is designed for saltwater aquariums up to 208 gallons, making it suitable for a wide range of tank sizes. This hang-on skimmer is easy to install and doesn't take up much space with a footprint of 10" x 4" and a height of 21". The Aquatrance 2000 Pinwheel pump is a reliable feature, known for good performance and efficient bubble production, which is crucial for effective protein skimming. The adjustable surface skimmer attachment further enhances its ability to remove impurities from the water surface.

Users have rated it 4.3 out of 5 stars, indicating general satisfaction with its performance and build quality. The acrylic material ensures a durable build, though it's not dishwasher safe, which might make cleaning slightly more challenging. Weighing 12.23 pounds, it's relatively easy to handle during installation and maintenance. However, some users might find it a bit cumbersome due to its height.

The product's build quality and performance make it a solid choice for hobbyists and professionals who need a reliable skimmer for medium to large tanks, though its maintenance might require some effort. The product's rank in the aquarium filters category also suggests it's a popular and well-regarded option among users.

Rating
9.7
Ease of Maintenance
Build Quality

Most important from
55 reviews

Ease of Maintenance
Very quiet if set up correctly, and the company video on YouTube makes installation easy.
Build Quality
Replaced a cheaper skimmer and has been reliable even before the break-in period.

Buying Guide for the Best Saltwater Protein Skimmer

Choosing the right saltwater protein skimmer is crucial for maintaining a healthy and clean aquarium. A protein skimmer helps remove organic waste before it breaks down into harmful substances, ensuring a stable environment for your marine life. When selecting a protein skimmer, consider the size of your tank, the type of marine life you have, and the skimmer's efficiency. 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 a skimmer that is too small for your tank won't be able to keep up with the waste production, while one that is too large may be unnecessarily powerful and more expensive. Skimmers are usually 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 bioload of your specific setup.
Skimmer TypeThere are several types of protein skimmers, including hang-on-back (HOB), in-sump, and external skimmers. The type of skimmer you choose depends on your tank setup and available space. HOB skimmers are ideal for smaller tanks or those without a sump, as they hang on the back of the aquarium. In-sump skimmers are placed inside the sump and are suitable for larger tanks with a sump system. External skimmers are positioned outside the tank or sump and are typically used for very large systems. Choose the type that best fits your tank's configuration and space constraints.
Pump PerformancePump performance refers to the power and efficiency of the pump that drives the skimmer. This is important because a more powerful pump can process more water and remove waste more effectively. Pumps are usually rated by their flow rate, measured in gallons per hour (GPH). For smaller tanks, a lower GPH may be sufficient, while larger tanks will require a higher GPH to maintain water quality. Consider the size of your tank and the bioload when selecting a skimmer with an appropriate pump performance.
Bubble ProductionBubble production is a critical aspect of a protein skimmer's efficiency. The skimmer creates tiny bubbles that attract and trap organic waste, which is then removed from the water. The size and quantity of bubbles can affect the skimmer's performance. Skimmers that produce finer bubbles generally perform better because they have a larger surface area to capture waste. When choosing a skimmer, look for one that is known for producing fine, consistent bubbles to ensure optimal waste removal.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance refers to how simple it is to clean and maintain the protein skimmer. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the skimmer functioning efficiently. Some skimmers are designed with easy-to-remove parts and accessible collection cups, making cleaning more straightforward. Consider how often you are willing to perform maintenance and choose a skimmer that aligns with your preferences. A skimmer that is easy to maintain will save you time and ensure it continues to operate effectively.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the protein skimmer. A well-built skimmer will be more durable and reliable over time. Look for skimmers made from high-quality materials like acrylic or strong plastics, and check for solid construction and good craftsmanship. A skimmer with a sturdy build will withstand the rigors of continuous use and provide long-term value. Choose a skimmer with a reputation for durability to ensure it lasts and performs well in your aquarium.

FAQ