Gear
Protein skimmers: what reef keepers commonly use
In-sump skimmers that strip dissolved waste before it breaks down. Below are 3 items we see often, each with our honest note and where to view it in the UK and the US.
We sell nothing and earn nothing from these links. Prices are as each retailer's page showed them on the date checked, and they change. How this guide works
Listings checked . How we check
What should you look for in protein skimmers?
- The footprint and the water depth the skimmer needs, measured against your sump.
- A rating for a real fish load. Box ratings often assume a lightly stocked tank.
- DC or self-adjusting models cope better when the sump level moves.
Commonly used protein skimmers
Specs are as published on the listed pages. Where the US and UK pages give different figures, we show both.
Reef Octopus Classic 110-S
Brand: Reef Octopus
Our note. A long-running, affordable in-sump skimmer that suits a first sump. It is sensitive to water depth, so it works best in a sump section with a steady level; we found no current US listing for this exact model.
Key specs
- Pump AQ-1000s, 8 W
- Rated to 500 litres
- Footprint 200 x 155 mm; height 485 mm
UK listing
Kraken Corals (UK): opens the retailer's page for Reef Octopus Classic 110-S in the United Kingdom- Price as shown
- £279.99
- Checked
US listing
Not available in this region. We found no US listing we could check on .
Nyos Quantum 120
Brand: Nyos
Our note. A compact, quiet skimmer with separate air and water adjustment, well suited to small sumps. There is no skimmate drain, and some owners report microbubbles while tuning.
Key specs
- Up to 50 US gal heavy, 75 medium, 125 light bioload (BRS); 100 to 500 litres (Kraken)
- 8 W
- Water depth 8.5 in (BRS)
- Footprint 15 x 21 cm
UK listing
Kraken Corals (UK): opens the retailer's page for Nyos Quantum 120 in the United Kingdom- Price as shown
- £319.99
- Checked
US listing
Bulk Reef Supply (US): opens the retailer's page for Nyos Quantum 120 in the United States- Price as shown
- US$399.88
- Checked
Red Sea REEFER DC Skimmer 300
Brand: Red Sea
Our note. A DC skimmer that turns itself down when the foam gets too wet, which reduces overflowing cups. It needs a separate ReefRun controller, which adds to the price.
Key specs
- Up to 80 US gal heavy, 160 medium, 240 light bioload (BRS)
- Sicce PSK DC-1200 pump, 20 W
- Air 500 lph; water 1,000 lph
- Controller sold separately
UK listing
Kraken Corals (UK): opens the retailer's page for Red Sea REEFER DC Skimmer 300 in the United Kingdom- Price as shown
- £349.00 (without controller)
- Checked
The page still showed an old stock date from 2023 when we checked.
US listing
Bulk Reef Supply (US): opens the retailer's page for Red Sea REEFER DC Skimmer 300 in the United States- Price as shown
- US$475.00 (DC 300, without controller)
- Checked