Protein Skimmer

Protein skimmers are one of the most important devices you can use to maintain water quality in a saltwater aquarium. Protein skimming removes organic pollutants before they break down into nitrates and phosphates. The improved water quality is beneficial to fish and corals and may reduce the frequency in which water changes are necessary.

Protein skimmers are available in a few different styles: units that sit in a sump, units that sit outside of a sump and those which hang on the back or rim of the aquarium. Some skimmers, such as the AquaNaut can sit in the sump or next to it. We recommend purchasing the best protein skimmer possible—within your budget, of course—as the higher-end units generally maintain higher water quality.