7 Best Hang On Back (HOB) Protein Skimmer Reviews (2023)


What exactly is a “skimmer” when it comes to a fish tank? If you keep fish in an aquarium, you undoubtedly already know that over time, the water in the tank may get cloudy and contaminated with germs, dirt, and grime. You will need to take the essential efforts to ensure that the water in your fish aquarium is kept clean and glistening all the time by using the very finest hang-on back protein skimmer. This will allow you to avoid the problem. If the water in the aquarium is not cleaned for a lengthy period of time, it poses a significant risk to the health of your aquatic pets and might even be deadly. To be of assistance, we have compiled a guide that is based on evaluations of protein skimmers and skimmers that hang on the back.

Investing in a good protein skimmer can help you maintain a healthier and more sanitary aquarium. If you are new to keeping fish, you may not be aware that a protein skimmer hung on the back can aid by removing some of the buildups of dirt, filth, and other types of germs. This is especially true if you are new to keeping fish in an aquarium. Additionally, it is effective in removing organic stuff that is floating about. Some individuals are under the impression that a protein skimmer and a filtration system are one and the same, however, this is not the case. A protein skimmer is an aquarium device that generates air bubbles and assists in the removal of organic materials from the water. Since of this, it is imperative that you do not get the two terms confused because you will need both a filtration system and a protein skimmer. It is quite necessary to have, particularly if you keep a large number of aquatic creatures and plants. Therefore, not only are you assisting your aquatic creatures to have potentially better health and living in a safe environment free of toxins and the risk of getting sick, but you are also getting the opportunity to have a crystal clear tank along with an enchanting filtration system/protein skimmer for sale that produces bubbles. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved. While some individuals find the bubbles to be calming, others do not share this sentiment.

We looked at a variety of websites, conducted a search on the internet, and read a large number of product descriptions before deciding on the top protein skimmers. We are going to check that you are getting the very greatest protein skimmer possible. Therefore, in order to assist you in locating the precise protein skimmer, we have compiled a list of the top 7 distinct kinds of protein skimmers that are the greatest protein skimmers that are now available on the market. We have collected top-rated hob protein skimmer reviews from people who maintain aquatic creatures and plants and utilize protein skimmers on a daily basis. These individuals skim protein from their aquariums on a regular basis. We have included the reviews which these customers have left for the things they have purchased, which vary from owners who are new to the hobby to owners who are seasoned veterans. Therefore, if you are unfamiliar with protein skimmers or if you are just in the market to buy a new one that functions better than the one that is currently in your tank, just continue reading the article, and we will do our best to help you understand and choose a top protein skimmer that is going to work for your requirements. If you are unfamiliar with protein skimmers or if you are just in the market to buy a new one that works better than the one that is currently in your tank, then keep reading!

Best Hang-On Back Protein Skimmers Comparison

ProductTank CapacityAir FlowWater FlowExtra FeaturesRatings
Macro Aqua M-60 Hang-on External Protein Skimmer120 Gallons80 GPH320 GPHNeedle-to-wheel impeller3.2 of 5BUY NOW from Amazon.com
Reef Octopus Classic 100-hob Protein Skimmer105 GallonsN/AN/AAdjustable surface skimmer attachment4.3 of 5BUY NOW from Amazon.com
Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang On External Protein Skimmer60 GallonsN/A238 GPHNeedle-to-wheel impeller4.5 of 5BUY NOW from Amazon.com
Reef Octopus Bh90 Hang On Protein Skimmer130 GallonsN/AN/ACylindrical body
Siphon feature
Skims top of water
4 of 5BUY NOW from Amazon.com
Eshopps HOB protein Skimmer75 Gallons60 GPHN/ASilent3.5 of 5BUY NOW from Amazon.com
Coralife Super Skimmer With Pump125 GallonsN/AN/ANeedle-to-wheel
Wide neckg
Bubble production diffuser
3.4 of 5BUY NOW from Amazon.com
Cpr Bak-pak 2 Hang On Back Protein Skimmer55 Gallons50 GPH220 GPHNeedle-to-wheel impeller3.7 of 5BUY NOW from Amazon.com

Top Rated Hang On The Back Protein Skimmers Reviews

Macro Aqua M-60 Hang-on External Protein Skimmer Review

The Macro Aqua External Protein Skimmer is a skimmer of superior quality that can be used in aquariums with a maximum capacity of 120 gallons. This filter has a flow rate of 320 GPH and is designed to be hung on the wall. At this moment, the airflow is operating at a rate of 80 GPH. It is very useful in assisting in the eradication of any waste and particles that have been left behind, which may be dangerous or filthy for organic fish or plants that are still alive. When you are ready to use it, just take the collecting cup off and get rid of any extra waste that has accumulated over time. Both the installation of your tank and the operation of it is fairly straightforward. A needle-to-wheel impeller, which will assist enhance the quantity of air that the water comes in touch with, has also been installed inside of this protein skimmer so that it can do its job more effectively. One of the most effective protein separators available externally.

PROS

  • High Quality – This product is of very high quality and will assist you in ridding your aquarium of any extra waste material that may be hazardous to the health of your aquatic companions.
  • Large Capacity – There is a weight capacity of 120 gallons, which makes it an excellent choice for bigger tanks.
  • Efficient – This method is very efficient in getting rid of organic waste and other types of dangerous microorganisms.
  • Installation is simple; all you have to do is hang it from the top of your tank.
  • Needle-to-Wheel Impeller – The wheel is put inside the protein skimmer and will assist in regulating and increasing the quantity of oxygen that the water comes into contact with.

CONS

  • It Takes a While to Prime Despite the Fact That Many Customers Were Pleased With the Price and Usage of Their Product, Many Customers Were Dissatisfied With How Long It Took to Program the Protein Skimmer. Some customers have mentioned that it took them an entire day to get the aquarium’s settings where they wanted them to be.

Reef Octopus HOB Skimmer Review

At this pricing point, the Reef Octopus Classic Protein Skimmer is easily one of the most impressive skimmers available on the market. It has the ability to filter 105-gallon tanks to a satisfactory level. In addition to being simple to set up, it also has a design that makes it extremely simple to operate, which enables the pump to be permanently fixed within the tank. In order to install the protein skimmer, first secure it to the rear of your aquarium, then check to see that it is securely placed, and then, adjust the inner strainer so that it is effectively skimming the water. The protein skimmer is designed to be highly efficient with a pinwheel pump, which will help produce a good amount of water and oxygen to maximize the benefit of very clean water and waste removal. It is constructed entirely out of acrylic of the highest possible quality, and it is the only material used in its construction.

PROS

  • This protein skimmer has a large capacity and can clean aquariums that are up to 105 gallons in size.
  • Easy Installation: All you have to do to get started is hook it up to the rear of your tank and you’re all set.
  • Adjustable Fish Tank Surface Skimmer This fish tank is equipped with a surface skimmer that can be adjusted so that it only filters the water at the tank’s surface.
  • Pump with a Pinwheel The use of a pump with a pinwheel guarantees that the protein skimmer is able to reach all of the water in the tank and filter it.

CONS

  • No Directions Because this protein skimmer does not come with any directions, many customers have voiced their dissatisfaction that it is difficult to set up. As a result, you are required to find out how to set it up and adjust all of the settings on your own.

Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-On External Protein Skimmer Review

PROS

  • High Quality – This protein skimmer is made from high-quality materials that will not break and will continue to perform over time. This ensures that it will not be a waste of money.
  • Because of its little size, this hob protein skimmer is suitable for use only in aquariums containing no more than 50 gallons of water.
  • Efficient – Not only is it efficient in removing any contaminants from the water, but it is also highly efficient at skimming the surface of the water.
  • Easy Installation: Just hang it on the rear of your tank, and you can see it go to work right away.
  • Needle Impeller: The needle impeller helps to spin the water around the tank and guarantees that the protein skimmer is filtering through each and every particle. It also helps to keep the needle impeller clean.

CONS

  • The fact that this device does emit a low noise has been cited as a complaint by a few individuals. This is analogous to a buzzing sound and has the potential to quickly offend those who are anticipating a totally silent protein skimmer. It is possible that the noise will become intolerable for you if you are using a filter in conjunction with the protein skimmer.

Reef Octopus Bh90 Hang On Protein Skimmer Review

This one-of-a-kind protein skimmer, known as the Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer, has a body that looks like a pretty interesting octopus. This helps to minimize the strain on the pump and pump more oxygen into the water. The protein skimmer makes use of a siphon to assist in the processing of the water throughout the skimmer. This aquarium skimmer is designed for use with tanks up to one hundred gallons in capacity, and it has a pinwheel pump that assists in the circulation of the water pressure. It is capable of reducing turbulence, skimming the surface of the water, and features a collecting cup that is not only simple to remove but can contain a significant quantity of trash.

PROS

  • Air Silencer – To ensure that the protein skimmer does not create any audible disturbances.
  • The protein skimmer is positioned on the exterior of the tank and hangs over the side. This configuration is referred to as an external protein skimmer setup.
  • High Quality – It is constructed not just from high-quality materials but also with the intention of being long-lasting and durable.
  • Reducer That Is Easily Removed For Turbulence The reducer that is easily removable for turbulence will assist in regulating both the airflow and the water flow.
  • Simple Assembly: All you have to do is attach it to the rear wall of your aquarium.

CONS

  • Short Lifespan – The maximum lifespan of this unit is about one year; nevertheless, some people have reported that it only lasted for five months, while others have kept it for longer. Despite having a somewhat limited lifetime, this works really well, and it comes with a sufficient number of additional functions to compensate for its lack of longevity.

Eshopps HOB Skimmer Psk-75h Review

The Eshopps Hang On Protein Skimmer is a piece of machinery that is capable of exceptionally high levels of performance. A bubble plate is included, which helps guide and focus the flow of air bubbles for the best effectiveness. It also comes with a collecting cup that can be removed from the device. In addition to this, it has a knob that enables you to alter the volume of water in the tank so that it conforms to the specifications of the environment that you are keeping. The acrylic material was specifically developed to be long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. The ecosystems of salt water and/or reef aquariums are the ones that are most likely to benefit the most from this. It is capable of supporting aquariums with a capacity of up to 75 gallons.

PROS

  • High Performance: The design of this protein skimmer allows it to move a significant volume of air through the system.
  • Wheel Pump – The wheel helps to circulate the water around the aquarium so that it may be enjoyed by everybody.
  • Bubble Plate The bubble plate contributes to the formation of more air bubbles while also assisting in the control of the flow of air.
  • Adjustable Knob The protein skimmer is equipped with a knob that can be adjusted, allowing for more precise control over the water pressure and contributing to the development of the ideal habitat.
  • This protein skimmer is ideal for use in saltwater and reef systems since it was developed with these particular sorts of settings in mind.

CONS

  • Difficult Instructions – A lot of customers have complained that the protein skimmer is difficult to use and that it’s difficult to get the settings just right. After the system has been installed, the protein skimmer will function quite well.

Coralife Super Skimmer With Pump

PROS

  • This system is suited for environments such as saltwater and reefs since it can handle harsh conditions.
  • System with Needle Wheels The use of a needle wheel system will assist in the formation of a vortex, which will clear the tank of proteins and other organic components.
  • Extremely Effective – It is exceptionally efficient in the process of cleaning the tank.
  • The collecting cup has a broad neck, which makes it simple to rinse off any residue that may have accumulated during use.
  • The Bubble Production Diffuser is a device that helps stop the flow of micro-bubbles from entering the main body of the aquarium.
  • Dual Injection Inlets will result in a greater number of bubbles being produced as well as an increased length of time spent in contact with the water.

CONS

  • Leaks: Although the vast majority of buyers were pleased with their purchase, a few of them have mentioned that there is an issue with this product leaking every once in a while. To resolve this issue, just ensure that there is always a towel positioned beneath the tank. This is probably because of the long neck, which makes it simpler and more convenient to clean.

Cpr Bak-pak 2 Hang On Back Skimmer Review

The Cpr Bak-pak 2 Protein Skimmer is the HOB combined protein skimmer that represents the second generation of this product. This protein skimmer has a mechanism in which the water first flows down the column, then continues on to the biological chamber, which is stuffed with Bio Bale, and then flows back into the tank. The skimmer is equipped with a regeneration Venturi-driven head, which has the potential to assist in increasing countercurrent flow as well as the quality of the fan gathered. The new design contains an input tube that is simple to clean, which not only helps the directed outflow but also prevents salt splash and micro-bubbles from entering the primary compartment of your tank.

PROS

  • The revitalization venturi powerhead helps cut down on the amount of time needed to boost the countercurrent flow inside the column. Simply by adjusting the height of the collecting cup, you may make simple adjustments to the foam’s consistency and quality.
  • Intake Tube That Is Designed to Be Simple to Clean The intake tube is located on the exterior of the enclosure and was created to be simple to clean.
  • Break Resistant Collection Cup – This helps to reduce the likelihood of the system randomly breaking down over the course of a significant amount of time.
  • Installation is simple; all you have to do is hang it on the rear of your tank.
  • Large Tanks Can Be Supported – It is able to support tanks that are as large as 55 gallons.

CONS

  • Poor Exterior – The sole complaint that clients have voiced about this system is that the plastic used for the exterior protection is of poor quality. However, the outside of the device is not built to be resistant to strong impact or long-term use, in spite of the fact that the mechanism inside functions like a charm.

How to Tune the HOB Protein Skimmer?

You may be curious about how to activate a HOB skimmer in your pool. The functioning of many of the finest HOB skimmers is distinct from one another, and you will need to have a certain configuration for them in order for them to perform successfully in your aquarium tank. Therefore, you will need to educate yourself on how to properly adjust your protein skimmer. Using the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer, you are able to expressly optimize your model. It will take around three weeks to pass before you will be able to change the dials and discover the precise setting that is appropriate for your aquarium tank.

Conclusion

Perform you still intend to make use of a system of this kind, thinking about all that this particular product can do for you? Not only does the very finest hang-on back protein skimmer assist in maintaining a spotless environment for your fish to live in, but it also assists in preventing other potentially hazardous toxins and germs from remaining in the system. This is often not the kind of bacteria you want living in your aquarium, and it’s possible that your filtration system won’t be able to remove these kinds of particles because of how little they are. As can be seen, the most effective protein skimmer has the potential to lessen the likelihood that the water’s quality would be adversely affected by the presence of any pollutants, debris, or organic substances.

Therefore, when the time has finally come for you to choose and purchase a hang-on-back protein skimmer, there are a few essential aspects of this device that you will want to keep in mind. First and foremost, you are going to want to be aware that the majority of protein skimmers operate in nearly the same fashion. The size of the tank and the pressure level required are the two primary factors that differentiate one kind of protein skimming machine from another. Therefore, if you happen to possess either a large number of fish crammed into a single tank or a smaller tank with a greater number of fish of a smaller size, then you may need the use of a protein skimmer. The fish may be kept in the healthiest possible condition with the assistance of this protein skimmer. Always make it a point to check with the manufacturer’s recommendations to see what kinds of things they think would go well with the fish that you have. You should also consider purchasing and installing a high-quality pump.

The Macro Aqua External Hang-On Back Protein Skimmer is the most highly recommended model among those that we offer in our inventory. The fact that this specific protein skimmer can handle water in quantities of up to 120 gallons was a primary factor in our decision to purchase it rather than one of the more conventional models. This machine has a water flow rate of 320 gallons per minute (GPH). It makes short work of any organic trash that could be lurking in your tank and completely clears it out. In addition to having a needle impeller and a higher air-to-water contact level, it is simple to install and does not need to be primed before use. The reviews of the hang-on back protein skimmer were combed through to get all of this information.

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