Are all protein skimmers created equally? HOB, in-tank, external and in sump protein skimmers

[mistergray]

Are all protein skimmers created equally (HOB, in-tank, external and in sump protein skimmers)? I currently have a coralife biocube protein skimmer. That’s the only truly viable option for the back chambers of the biocube without modifications. For the first time I’m wondering what benefit other types of protein skimmers have over the type I currently have; which I believe is categorized as in-tank. Any who, is any certain type of protein skimmer better overall or do they all generally work the same? Also, I wouldn’t mind knowing which skimmers that are considered the quietest that would work with a 32g biocube.

Info: I do currently run my biocube with the top off, so I’m open to other configurations. Additionally, I can make room under the cabinet if a good option is available as well.

 

[Timfish]

Bubbles is bubbles. Feldman, et al, at Penn State looked at skimmers back in 2008-2009. Wasn't much difference between different brands. Additionally, they developed 2 different methods for teh skimmer manufacture's to quantify what a specific skimmer is doing which would enable hobbyests to actually compare one skimmer to another just like pumps can be compared on the basis of flow or pressure but neither has been adopted. Here are their articles:

Protein Skimmer Performance, Pt 1

The Development of a Method for the Quantitative Evaluation of Protein Skimmer Performance

Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. Protein skimmers have become indispensable for many aquarists who strive to maintain the high water quality necessary to keep stony corals.

reefs.com

Protein Skimmer Performance, Pt 2

Further Studies on Protein Skimmer Performance

Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. Many factors contribute to the 'value' of a skimmer to an aquarist, including quality of construction, size, footprint, noise level, ease of cleaning, energy efficiency of the pump, and of course, the ability...

reefs.com

Elemental Analysis of Skimmate

Elemental Analysis of Skimmate: What Does a Protein Skimmer Actually Remove from Aquarium Water?

Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. The chemical/elemental composition of skimmate generated by an H&S 200-1260 skimmer on a 175-gallon reef tank over the course of several days or a week had some surprises.

reefs.com

Bacterial Counts in Reef Aquarium Water

Bacterial Counts in Reef Aquarium Water: Baseline Values and Modulation by Carbon Dosing, Protein Skimming, and Granular Activated Carbon Filtration

What are the bacteria populations in the water column of reef tanks, and how does that value compare with bacterial counts in authentic reef water? Does carbon dosing indeed increase water column bacteria populations (i.e., is growth carbon limited)? Does mechanical filtration (protein skimming...

reefs.com

 

[Dkmoo]

i've used them all - finally settled on an in-sump internal skimmer by reef octopus.

Some brands will be better than others, i like tunze and reef octo

other differences - in terms of whats better or worse - has less to do with skimming abilities, but more to do with its practical application:

HOB - looks ugly, and overflow box is outside so has risk of flood

in tank (not in sump) - the inlet vs outlet are usually close - so you may not get the proper turnover/cycle you need unless the in tank current is strong enough. also the pump contributes to heating.

In tank (in sump) - easier to get the right turnover b/c you can direct your in and out to make sure they dont mix prematurely. still pump generate heat.

external - don't generate as much heat from pump, harder to plumb, easy to direct flow, overflow risk. takes more space.

 

[blaxsun]

In short, no (I’m talking to you Innovative Marine). With an AIO setup you’re somewhat limited, but I’ve heard good things about the Tunze skimmers if that’s an option.

 

[ZoWhat]

Another option is to go Skimmerless and buy NO3 and PO4 Hanna Colorimeters and track parameters.

When out of range do a water change

 

[mistergray]

Another option is to go Skimmerless and buy NO3 and PO4 Hanna Colorimeters and track parameters.

When out of range do a water change

I currently do weekly water changes. I’m terrified of Hanna testers. Lol!!! I bought one and after spending way too long doing the test and failing, I gave up. It’s nice to look at though.

 

[mistergray]

In short, no (I’m talking to you Innovative Marine). With an AIO setup you’re somewhat limited, but I’ve heard good things about the Tunze skimmers if that’s an option.

I'll research those