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7 Best Hang On Back/HOB Protein Skimmer Reviews & Buying Guide (2018)
Overview
What is a skimmer for a fish tank? If you’re a fish owner, you’re probably already aware that aquariums can accumulate a lot of buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria. To prevent this, you will need to take the necessary steps to make sure that your fish aquarium water stays clean and crystal clear with the best hang on back protein skimmer. If the aquarium water is left uncleaned for an extended period of time, it could prove to be fatal for your aquatic friends. To help, we’ve created a guide based off of protein skimmers reviews and hang on the back skimmers.
A HOB protein skimmer can help you have a better and cleaner aquarium. If you're new to owning fish, you may not be aware, but a protein skimmer hang on back can help by taking out some of the accumulation of dirt, grime, and other bacteria. It also works to take out organic matter that floats around. Many people mistake a protein skimmer for being the same thing as a filtration system, but this is not true. A protein skimmer produces air bubbles and helps reduce the amount of organic matter in the tank. So, please do not confuse it as you will need both a filtration system and a protein skimmer. It's crucial to have, especially if you own many aquatic animals and plants. So, not only are you helping your aquatic creatures to have potentially better health and live in a safe environment free of toxins and the risk of getting sick, but you are also getting the chance to have a crystal clear tank along with an enchanting filtration system/protein skimmer for sale that produces bubbles. Some people find the bubbles relaxing, while others do not.
We searched the Internet and looked at various websites and read a countless amount of different top rated proteins skimmers descriptions. We want to make sure that you're buying the best protein skimmer. So, to help you locate the exact protein skimmer, we made a list of the top 7 different types of protein skimmers that are the best on the market right now. We also included top-rated hob protein skimmer reviews from people who own aquatic pets and plants and use protein skimmers on a regular basis. Many of these orders range from new owners to owners who know what they're talking about, and we've listed their reviews of the products. So, if you're new to protein skimmers or if you're just in the market to buy a new one that works better than the one currently in your tank, just keep reading the article and we will try our best to help you understand and pick a top protein skimmer that is going to work for your needs.
Best Hang On Back Skimmers Buying Guide
In the following part of the article, we are going to delve deep into the key aspects you should be looking for when trying to purchase the best protein skimmer. Let’s see how you can make informed buying decisions.
What Is a Protein Skimmer Used For
If you’re reading this guide, you’re probably already aware what a protein skimmer is. However, if you need to describe it to someone, a protein skimmer is a foam fractionator which helps remove organic compounds such as fecal matter and food particles from water. It is commonly used in aquarium tanks and is used to keep the water crystal clear at all times. How you’ll recognize a protein skimmer, it will usually be at the top of an aquarium tank and produce bubbles. So, what does a protein skimmer do?
How Does a Protein Skimmer Work/How to Use a Protein Skimmer
The purpose of protein skimmers is to work by efficiently removing organic waste, protein, and other unhealthy particles located in an aquarium tank. Protein skimmers are the primary filtration system which will help improve your water clarity and quality.
Active Waste Removal
A protein skimmer can actively remove waste. They rely on chemical process absorption to help remove the organic debris from the water column. This waste material rises to the surface of the air bubbles. The process works by vigorously mixing air within the clear water. This helps attract thousands of these protein skimming bubbles. As the micro-bubbles start to travel throughout the skimmer, any organic matter clings onto these bubbles and is condensed and transported outside the tank or in the protein skimmer collection cup. This collection cup needs to be cleaned very often, especially if you have a lot of fish living in the tank.
Mechanical Filtration
The protein skimmers also use mechanical filtration systems. These work by physically trapping and taking out particles from the water causing it to be much clearer. Well, a majority of the time, you will not see the waste material with the naked eye. The mechanical filter does not need to be cleaned out or replaced often.
Chemical Filtration
Protein skimmers also use chemical filtration systems. This works by attracting any particles into the system and absorbing them. However, the waste finding surface will only be unconventional filters. Over time, the effectiveness of these media, diminish, them needing to be replaced.
Biological Filtration
Another way that protein skimmers work is by breaking down harmful nitrogen compounds through aerobic bacteria. Any other chemicals will be removed through this filtration process thus leaving your tank crystal clear and clean.
Secondary Benefits
So, in addition to removing and improving the overall health and quality of the water, it also is very efficient at reducing phosphates which prevents any algae growth. Eliminating biological toxins, promoting proper gas exchange by helping increase oxygen, helping maintain an appropriate balance of ph and avoiding acidic situations due to carbon dioxide, it will also help support a large file load. It will help remove any oily surface waves and help improve your aquarium. Lastly, it will help reduce disease-causing organisms.
How Do You Clean a Protein Skimmer
When you have a protein skimmer, it’s always recommended to clean it out every six months. If you do not do this, then the machine can stop working and thus prevent the water from becoming clear and filtered and risk the health of any of its inhabitants. As part of the cleaning process, the very first thing you need to do is replace the air tubing. If it stops working, there is no point in cleaning it, you should just replace it then. It’s not always recommended to disassemble the protein skimmer part by part, however, sometimes, this can help clean it out thoroughly. The very first thing you need to do is soak it in hot water for about a few hours. Use a used toothbrush or brush and scrub the parts to remove any leftover or remaining organic fecal matter. Once you do this completely wash the system and make sure it has no soap or residue on it because this can be very hazardous for your tank inhabitants.
Does a Protein Skimmer Remove Nitrates?
Protein skimmers work to remove nitrates if they have become attached to any other particles. The nitrates are usually consumed by something called microalgae which are typically found in many aquariums. It’s possible to have them removed without removing all the microalgae, as this is healthier for the fish.
Does a Protein Skimmer Remove Phosphates?
The protein skimmers are also designed to remove proteins, which are the main organic waste products in an aquarium. All of these phosphates usually come from other sources such as tap water, or other water sources. It’s not possible to remove complete phosphates with a protein skimmer, but some of them will be removed in the process of cleaning the water.
Does a Protein Skimmer Remove Algae?
It is possible to significantly reduce the number of algae that is produced in your water tank. However, it’s not going to take out all of the algae. Just make sure that you have another method like a filtration system for your aquarium to help remove any remaining algae.
Does a Protein Skimmer Remove Ammonia?
Protein skimmers can only remove a small amount of ammonia. If you happen to find that your aquarium produces a lot of ammonia, you might need to use a different type of filtration system that is specifically designed to remove ammonia from the water.
Does a Protein Skimmer Remove Calcium?
Many protein skimmers also work to try and remove calcium. However, this is not common. So, it’s not entirely possible to remove calcium from the tank. The particles are just way too small.
How to Tune the Best HOB Protein Skimmer
You are maybe wondering how to turn on a HOB skimmer. Many of the best HOB skimmers function differently regarding the operation, and you will need to have a specific setting for them to work efficiently in your aquarium tank. So, you will need to learn to tune your protein skimmer. You can optimize your model explicitly using the manufacturer’s instruction manual. You will need to allow around three weeks to pass before you can adjust the dials and find the specific setting for your aquarium tank.
How to Choose the Best Hang on Back Skimmer
If you’re wondering how to choose a specific protein skimmer for your type of aquarium, you will need to look into a few particular pieces of information. If you have a bigger tank, you’re going to need to buy a bigger protein skimmer along with a powerful pump. Many protein skimmers have the same function. However, you can still find some that offer specific processes on the market for your aquarium tank.
Aquarium Protein Skimmers
There are freshwater protein skimmers and saltwater protein skimmers. It’s important to understand the different types of aquariums before purchasing one. When looking online, you’ll notice that the manufacturer will always list which type of skimmers can be used for which types of aquariums. However, it’s not just about the water type, but it’s also about the size of the aquariums as well. Honestly, it all depends on the design and capability of the skimmer you buy.
How to Set Up
To correctly set up a protein skimmer, you just need to ensure that it will work and follow the manufacturer’s installation manual. Many manufacturers will give you a very detailed manual which will list every step of setting up your protein skimmer.
Protein Skimming Brands
You need to remember that a cheap protein skimmer is less likely to clear the water. Some will be excellent, while others may just be lackluster. It’s essential that you learn about the brand and the reputation of the brand first. This way you get can the best value protein skimmer that works as intended. If you’re buying a used one, you’re going to need to make sure that it still functions properly. Some of the prevalent protein skimmer brands include Coral View, Bubble Magnus, and Aqua Max. If you still don’t know what type of protein skimmer to buy, if you know other fish owners, you can ask them.
How Much Maintenance Will It Need/How to Install a Protein Skimmer
When you buy the best protein skimmer, you are going to have to change it out every few days. Now, you won’t have to always change the collection cup if it is a more significant cup. However, if you happen to buy a smaller skimmer that has a smaller collection cup, you’ll find yourself having to replace it quite often. Some protein skimmers have a built-in drain which makes everything more comfortable on your end.
Best Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmers
When you’re looking online, you’re going to need to be aware of the different types of protein skimmers available on the market. You may think that all protein skimmers are created equal, however, that’s not the case. There are many different types of protein skimmers, and you’re going to need to choose the correct one for your specific needs based on your fish and the type of tank you have.
Air Counter Current Skimmers
Air driven counter protein skimmers are usually the most efficient way of filtering the water in your tank. As much as they are useful, you’ll need to frequently clean them out as they do not hold much. These protein skimmers usually work well with wooden air diffuser and with a powerful air pump. One thing you will enjoy about this type of protein skimmer is that it is designed to produce a large volume of the foam. You will also be getting consistent bubbles each time it operates. Because this type of protein skimmer uses air stones, you might have to replace them from time to time. However, it is going to highly depend on the amount of matter that is going to be filtered. Some people find that they need to replace the air stones every once in a while and others find themselves only replacing it every two months. Always make sure to check the air pump diaphragms and replace them if they look like they’re about to break. You still want your protein skimmer to be functioning at full capacity, that way your aquarium stays running well for your fish.
Venturi Skimmers
A Venturi protein skimmer uses a Venturi injector for creating bubbles in your tank. You’ll find that this type of protein skimmer is usually a lot shorter than other air driven skimmers. Thus, they’re going to need a stronger protein skimmer pump to help drive its features. One of the benefits of owning this type of protein skimmer is that it’s a good option because it creates large quantities of bubbles and it will clean the aquarium water very quickly and efficiently. It’s always important to have your skimmer matched with a high-performance pumping system. If you do not do this, you will not have that many bubbles, and your water will not get clean. We cannot stress enough how important this is or else any fecal matter or any organic compounds will not be cleaned out of the water. Many of this type of protein skimmers come with a spray head that will help the air get mixed into the water better. You’ll find that installing this type of model will be much easier than other traditional protein skimmers. If you do not know how to install it, please look at your instruction manual. These high-performance pumps are often very popular because they’re good at maintaining themselves without you having to clean them out now and then.
Downdraft Skimmers
A downdraft protein skimmer is designed differently than traditional types of protein skimmers. It uses a jet stream of water which will spray in a column shape at a high velocity. Once the bubbles go through these bio columns, they will then enter what is called the sump box. This helps deflect the water upwards and helps the foam form to be much thicker. For this type of protein skimmer, it would be wise to include a link to water path, that way the bio ball column will have an easier time functioning. Having this extra link is an excellent way to ensure the increased reaction time of the bubbles. So, to get this model to work, you will have to have a very powerful pump. Unlike other protein skimmers, you will have to find one that is heavy duty and is a bit bigger than other models.
Aspirating Impeller Skimmer
An aspirating impeller protein skimmer is mostly like an inexpensive aeration system. It functions by directing the air into the impeller of the pump which then creates bubbles. The impeller is specialized to use a needle wheel which is an essential aspect of chopping up the air bubbles to make them very small. With the smaller bubbles, you will have a much easier time getting your tank water clean. You will find that this type of protein skimmer runs excellently with lower powered pumps. Many people tend to worry that the durability of these specialized impellers is low, however, this is not the case. These are often the cheap hang on back protein skimmers for sale you can buy and they will function for a very long time.
Common Problems/Questions
You may have some problems and/or questions about your protein skimmers. To help you understand any problems or issues and hopefully fix them, we have come up with a few common questions that people are asking about their protein skimmers. Hopefully, you will find your question below, and it will help you fix your problem. Please know that if you have the warranty on your protein skimmer, it’s likely that you can get the problem fixed by contacting the company. However, if you do not have the warranty, then you may have to repair the problem yourself or replace the unit.
Protein Skimmer Not Foaming
There are many reasons why your protein skimmer is not producing any foam or bubbles, however, that doesn’t mean it’s broken. It could just be that the skimmer is way too large for the tank you have. Another problem could be that the skimmer is very close to becoming broken. If you happen to have a little bioload, this may be another reason that your protein skimmer is not producing any foam. Sometimes, you can fix this problem by making a bit of adjustment to the skimmer, but if you’ve messed with it a few times and made sure everything is correctly back together and it still does not work, then you will have to buy a new one.
Why Is the Protein Skimmer Overflowing?
If your protein skimmer happens to be overflowing, there may be a few reasons for this. You may be having excess foam coming out of the sides on the top of your protein skimmer. The first move you will want to make to fix this issue is to read the manufacturer’s manual before adjusting any of the settings. It’s important to understand that every brand works very differently, plus you will need to follow the manufacturer’s suggested fixes. Sometimes, this problem can be easily fixed just by moving the collection cup up higher so that it has better access to the water and excess water can easily drain away.
Noisy
Sometimes, protein skimmers produce noises. If there is any noise coming from your protein skimmer, it most likely is because of the pump. You need to make sure that the pump is correctly adjusted and is not leaking at any point. If the pump happens to leak, then you’ll need to make sure that you get that corrected. If the pump happens to be worn out, then you’ll have to replace it or get a new model. This is the only way you can get the protein skimmer to function quietly again.
Where to Put Protein Skimmer Installer Sump?
The very first step you need to take is to compare the sump size to the dimensions of your protein skimmer before purchasing it. If you have already purchased an incorrect size, then you need to switch it out quickly. Most of the time you’ll find that the reason that you’re having issues with your protein skimmer sump is that it has a limited open space. By getting a separate submersible water pump, the protein skimmer will work better.
When Do I Need to Turn It On?
Many people choose to run there protein skimmer throughout the day. However, you can also opt to turn it off and turn it on when needed. The fish, coral, or any living organisms located within the tank will always produce and release slime and other organic waste. If this water is not continuously filtered, they are going to live in inferior water quality. So, while it’s not recommended to turn the protein skimmer off as you might forget to turn it back on, you can just leave it running continuously. However, you are doing to need to remember to clean it out.
| Product | Tank Capacity | Air Flow | Water Flow | Extra Features | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
120 Gallons |
80 GPH |
320 GPH |
Needle-to-wheel impeller |
|
|
105 Gallons |
N/A |
N/A |
Adjustable surface skimmer attachment |
|
|
60 Gallons |
N/A |
238 GPH |
Needle-to-wheel impeller |
|
|
130 Gallons |
N/A |
N/A |
Cylindrical body Siphon feature Skims top of water |
|
|
75 Gallons |
60 GPH |
N/A |
Silent |
|
|
125 Gallons |
N/A |
N/A |
Needle-to-wheel Wide neckg Bubble production diffuser |
|
|
55 Gallons |
50 GPH |
220 GPH |
Needle-to-wheel impeller |
|
Top Rated Hang On The Back Protein Skimmers Reviews
1. Macro Aqua M-60 Hang-on External Protein Skimmer Review
The Macro Aqua External Protein Skimmer is a high-quality skimmer that works for up to 120 gallon aquariums. It is a hang on filter with a water flow of 320 GPH. The airflow runs at the rate of 80 GPH. It is extremely effective at helping exterminate any waist and particles left over that may be unhealthy or unsanitary for organic living fish or plants. To use, simply remove the collection cup and dispose of any excess waste that builds up over time. It is very easy to install onto your tank and has an easy operation. Installed within this protein skimmer is also a needle-to-wheel impeller which will help increase the amount of air that the water comes in contact with. One of the best external protein skimmers.
- High Quality - Very high-quality and will help keep your tank free from any excess waste material that may be harmful or damaging to your aquatic friends.
- Large Capacity - There is a 120 gallon weight capacity, this is ideal for larger tanks.
- Effective - Very effective at removing organic waste and other harmful bacteria.
- Easy Installation - Simply hang onto the top of your tank.
- Needle-to-Wheel Impeller - The wheel is installed within the protein skimmer and will help regulate and increase the amount of oxygen that the water comes in contact with.
- Takes a While to Prime - While many customers were satisfied with the price and use of their product, they were not happy about how long the protein skimmer took to program. Some users take note that it took them a full day to prime the right settings to the aquarium.
2. Reef Octopus HOB Skimmer Review
The Reef Octopus Classic Protein Skimmer is one of the best skimmers on the market for this price. It has a capacity to filter 105 gallon tanks. It's easy to install and it has a very easy operation design which allows the pump to be mounted inside the tank at all times. To install, put the protein skimmer onto the back of your aquarium, make sure it's mounted correctly in place and then adjust the inner strainer until it's skimming properly. It is constructed of only the highest quality acrylic and the protein skimmer is designed to be highly efficient with pinwheel pump which will help produce a good amount of water and oxygen to maximize the benefit of very clean water and waste removal.
- Large Capacity - This protein skimmer can clean aquariums of up to 105 gallons.
- Easy Installation - Simply latch it onto the back of your tank and you are ready to go.
- Adjustable Fish Tank Surface Skimmer - It has an adjustable surface skimmer which will only filter the top of the water in the tank.
- Pinwheel Pump - The pinwheel pump ensures that the protein skimmer is reaching and filtering all water in the tank.
- No Directions - Many customers have complained that this protein skimmer is hard to set up as it does not have any directions, thus you have to figure out how to set it up and change all of the settings.
3. Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang On External Protein Skimmer Review
- High Quality - This protein skimmer is crafted from high-quality materials that will not break and will continuously work over time.
- Small Sized - It’s a small hob protein skimmer and is only recommended for tanks of 50 gallons or smaller.
- Effective - It’s very effective at skimming the water and also cleaning it of any impurities.
- Easy Installation - Simply hang it onto the back of your tank and watch it go to work.
- Needle Impeller - The needle impeller helps rotate the water around the tank and ensures that the protein skimmer is filtering through each and every particle.
- Noisy - Some people have complained that this unit does produce a low noise. This is similar to a humming and can easily irritate people who expect a completely quiet protein skimmer. If you have a filter running with the protein skimmer, then the noise may be too annoying for you.
4. Reef Octopus Bh90 Hang On Protein Skimmer Review
The Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer is a unique protein skimmer that is designed with a really cool body. The protein skimmer uses a siphon to help process the water throughout the skimmer, this helps reduce the load on the pump and pump more oxygen into the water. This aquarium skimmer is to be used for up to 100 gallons, it has a pinwheel pump to help circulate the water pressure. It can reduce turbulence, skim the surface of the water and has an easy to remove collection cup that can hold a large amount of waste.
- Air Silencer - To prevent the protein skimmer from producing any noise.
- External Protein Skimmer Setup - The protein skimmer is mounted on the outside of the tank and is hanging off the side.
- High Quality - It’s crafted from high-quality materials and is created to be durable and long-lasting.
- Removable Turbulence Reducer - The removable turbulence will help regulate the airflow and waterflow.
- Easy Installation - Simply put it onto the back of your aquarium.
- Short Lifespan - The maximum lifespan of this unit is around a year, some saying that it only lasted for 5 months, while others have had it longer. While this has a short lifespan, it works incredibly well and has enough extra features to make up for it.
5. Eshopps HOB Skimmer Psk-75h Review
The Eshopps Hang On Protein Skimmer is a very high performance machine. It features a removable collection cup and also a bubble plate which helps direct and concentrate the flow of the air bubbles for maximum performance. It also has an adjustable knob which allows you to adjust the water level to meet the requirements of the ecosystem you're hosting. The acrylic material is just designed to be durable and long-lasting. This is mainly recommended for ecosystems of either saltwater and/or reef aquariums. It can support aquariums of up to 75 gallons.
- High Performance - This protein skimmer is designed to pump a high amount of airflow.
- Wheel Pump - To help the water circulate throughout the aquarium, the wheel helps.
- Bubble Plate - The bubble plate helps direct the direction of the air flow and creates more air bubbles.
- Adjustable Knob - The protein skimmer has an adjustable knob which helps with the fine-tuning of the water pressure and will help create the perfect ecosystem.
- Saltwater & Reefs - This protein skimmer is designed to be used with these types of environments specifically.
- Difficult Instructions - Many customers have had a hard time getting the settings correct on this protein skimmer. Once the system is set up, then the protein skimmer works very well.
6. Coralife Super Skimmer With Pump
- Saltwater & Reefs - This system is recommended for ecosystems of these kinds.
- Needle Wheel System - The needle wheel system will help create a vortex which will remove proteins and other organic compounds from the tank.
- Highly Effective - It’s very effective in cleaning the tank.
- Wide Neck - There is a wide neck for the collection cup which makes it easy to clean.
- Bubble Production Diffuser - This helps prevent the flow of the micro-bubbles from going into the main part of the aquarium.
- Dual Injection Inlets - It will increase the amount of bubbles being made and will have extended water contact time.
- Leaks - While most customers were satisfied with their purchase, a few of them have listed that this does have a problem with leaking every now and then. To fix this, just make sure to keep a towel underneath the tank at all times. This is likely due to the larger neck that makes it easier to clean.
7. Cpr Bak-pak 2 Hang On Back Skimmer Review
The Cpr Bak-pak 2 Protein Skimmer is the second generation HOB combination protein skimmer. The process for this protein skimmer is that the water will enter the column and then follow through to the biological chamber which is filled with Bio Bale before returning back into the aquarium. The skimmer has a rejuvenation Venturi powered head and can help increase countercurrent flow and the quality of the fan collected. The new design incorporates an easy to clean intake tube which can also help the directional outflow and reduce salt splash and micro-bubbles from entering into the main part of your tank.
- Rejuvenation Venturi Powerhead - This helps reduce the time it takes to increase a countercurrent flow inside the column. You can easily control the quality of the foam through raising and lowering the collection cup.
- Easy Clean Intake Tube - The intake tube is on the outside and is designed to be easy to clean when enclosed.
- Break Resistant Collection Cup - This helps prevent the chances of the system randomly breaking down over an extended period of time.
- Easy Installation - Simply hang onto the back of your tank.
- Supports Large Tanks - It can support tanks of up to 55 gallons.
- Poor Exterior - The only issue customers have had with this system is that the protected exterior is created from plastic. So while the inside of the machine works like a charm and is designed to be high impact and durable, the outside is not.
Conclusion
So, after reading everything that this product can do for you, do you still want to use this type of system? Not only does the best hang on back protein skimmer help keep your fish living environment crystal clean, but it also helps keep other harmful toxins and bacteria from continuing to stay in the system. These are usually not the type of bacteria you want in your aquarium, and your filtration system may not be able to remove these types of particles because they're too small. As you can see, the best protein skimmer can help reduce the chances of any chemicals or debris, or organic compounds interfering with the quality of the water.
So when you're finally ready to choose and buy a hang on back protein skimmer, you're going to want to look out for a few significant things. Number one, you're going to want to know that most protein skimmers work almost the same. The main difference between protein skimmers is how big of a tank you need and what type of pressure you need. So if you happen to own either a lot of fish shoved into one tank or you happen to have a smaller tank with more smaller fish, then you may need a protein skimmer. This protein skimmer can help keep the fish in the best possible condition. Always remember to check the manufacturer's suggestions for what type of thing would work well with the kind of fish you have. You should also look and invest in a good pump
The best protein skimmer we have on our list is the Macro Aqua External Hang On Back Protein Skimmer. The reason that we chose this particular protein skimmer over the other traditional types is that it can support 120 gallons of water. The water flow of this machine is 320 GPH. It effectively eliminates any of the organic waste you may find in your tank. It's easy to install, no priming required, and it has a needle impeller and an increased air to water contact level. All of this information was piled from hang on back protein skimmer reviews.