ReefSumper Recommended Protein Skimmers

Protein Skimmers are wonderful pieces of equipment in the reef-keeping hobby. Protein skimmers are one of the few pieces of equipment that directly exports waste from the water column before it can continue breaking down into dissolved organics that can be harmful to fish and coral. Protein skimmers work by creating a continuous column of tiny microbubbles within their skimmer body. As the bubbles move up the skimmer body through the water column, dissolved organic waste attaché to the surface area of the bubbles, and foam is produced near the top of the collection cup. As the foam and waste builds up, it then overflows into a collection cup and is removed from the water. 

There are various skimmers on the market today including in-sump, hang on back (HOB), DC, AC, and various other types of pumps and styles that produce microbubbles. I tend to prefer in sump skimmers. For me, a good skimmer produces skimmate, can adjust its airflow easily and is reliable through constant use. Here are some of the protein skimmers that have worked well for me that I recommend.      

Eshopps S-120 Protein Skimmer

Situation: When I moved on from my 55-gallon origin tank, I went with a larger sump and decided on a larger protein skimmer.  I had such good performance out of my previous Eshopps skimmer that I stuck with the company and moved up to the Eshoppes S-120 Protein skimmer on my 75-gallon build.

Background: The Eshopps S-120 protein skimmer is the smallest skimmer in the Eshopps premier-level protein skimmer line.  The skimmer is rated 40-120 gallons with 40 gallons with a heavy bioload, 90 gallons with a medium bioload, and up to 120 gallons with a light bioload.  The pump has a diameter of 5 1/2” with a height of 18”.  The skimmer is designed to operate in a 7-9” water level in the sump.  The skimmer is driven by a Sicce SE-200 pump.  

Assessment: The skimmer is well built, I’ve had no problems with the quality of the acrylic and pieces on the skimmer.   The blue color of the skimmer is very nice and the skimmer looks great in my matching Eshopps R-100 sump.  The operation has been flawless with the skimmer.  The skimmer had practically 0 break-in period and pulls the skimmate out of the water column well.  The pump is high-quality Sicce and runs very quiet, sometimes I question if it is on.  Disassembly is quick and easy when it comes to cleaning.  The only thing I’d rather see on this skimmer is a twist connection on the skimmer cup.  With this set up you push the cup on and pull it off.  It hasn’t been an issue and is more of a personal preference.       

Recommendation: Another great product from Eshoppes.  The skimmer looks very nice, is reliable, and quietly pulls skimmate out of the water column.