Protein Skimmers

The alternatives

Other contenders

• AquaMaxx HOB-1.5

  For a tank without a sump, choose AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 up to 75 gallons with light stocking; leave about 4 inches to remove its cup.³¹⁴

• AquaMaxx WS-1

  For a lightly stocked aquarium up to 65 gallons with a sump, choose AquaMaxx WS1 and its 11 W pump.⁴

• Simplicity 240DC

  For a larger lightly stocked aquarium with a sump, choose Simplicity 240DC: its stated limit is 240 gallons and its footprint is 8.3 by 7.9 inches. Pump consumption is listed as a 9 to 18 W range.⁹¹⁵

• Tunze Comline DOC 9001

  Choose Tunze Comline DOC 9001 for a small saltwater aquarium without a sump; check the manufacturer stocking conditions when using its 5.3 to 37 gallon range.¹⁰

• Tunze Comline DOC Skimmer 9001 DC

  Choose Tunze Comline DOC Skimmer 9001 DC when a narrow in-tank base matters: it measures 4.3 by 2.5 inches and stands 8.5 inches tall. Its published seawater range is 5.3 to 42.3 US gallons.¹¹¹⁶

• Tunze Comline DOC Skimmer 9004 DC

  For an in-tank skimmer with a controller, choose Tunze Comline DOC Skimmer 9004 DC within its published 15 to 79 US gallon range, depending on tank load. Pump consumption varies from 5 to 10 W with airflow.¹²¹⁷

• Tunze DOC Skimmer 9410 DC

  For a larger aquarium with a sump, choose Tunze DOC Skimmer 9410 DC: Tunze rates it up to 317 US gallons. Its 9.8 by 7.0 by 16.3 inch dimensions exclude the post-filter, so allow space for that filter and cup access.¹³

Buying advice

• Check the footprint, operating water depth and room to remove the collection cup before ordering; body height alone does not give the full installation space.²⁴⁶
• The 115 V, 60 Hz version of Tunze USA 9410.000 DOC is rated at 15 W; check the supply of the version you are buying.²
• Keep stocking conditions attached to tank ratings: the WS1 rating of up to 65 gallons and the HOB-1.5 rating of 75 gallons are for light bioload.³⁴

How they compare

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