Back in Hobby After 10 Years – Skimmer Recommendations for IM 20?

[blueridgereef]

Hello! After a decade away from reefing during/following college, I’m thrilled to be diving back into the hobby with an Innovative Marine NUVO Peninsula 20 Last time I researched skimmers (2021, I wasn't able to go through with setting up tank), these seemed like they were people's top picks for nano tanks:

• Icecap K1 Nano
• Aquatic Life 115 Skimmer
• Reefglass Skimmer
• MAME Skimmer

Now, I see these are most mentioned:

• Innovative Marine Ghost Desktop Skimmer
• Tunze Comline DOC 9001
• AquaticLife 115 Mini
• IceCap K1 Nano
• Eshopps Nano Skimmer

Does anyone here have experience with these? Which one’s your go-to? Or are there any others I should consider? I did not have skimmers previously, reefing on a teenage budget, and am excited to give one a try this time around!

Looking forward to hearing your insights – thanks in advance!

 

[Tahoe61]

I used the Tunze Doc 9001 in my IM, it worked well.
With that said I am about to get another IM 20 and I am going to try the Eshopps.
BRS does a nice video on what fits and doesn't fit in IM tanks.

 

[blueridgereef]

I used the Tunze Doc 9001 in my IM, it worked well.
With that said I am about to get another IM 20 and I am going to try the Eshopps.
BRS does a nice video on what fits and doesn't fit in IM tanks.

Thanks! I'll check out BRS

 

[Floyd-]

I dont use a skimmer in my IM 25 lagoon. Never needed one. Just use the filter socks.

 

[rtparty]

None. Smaller skimmers are a waste. Do a 3 gallon water change instead of 2 gallons and you will get far more benefit

 

[SliceGolfer]

Icecap K1 nano or Bubble Magus MiniQ. I’ve had success with both. Disagree that a skimmer is a waste on a nano.

 

[DVaDeR77]

K1 Nano here too. Works great once broke and dialed in. Second chamber with two egg crate squares to raise up slightly didn’t use the magnet hanger. Wouldn’t fit right. But the skimmer is a beast.

 

[PR_nano]

Another vote for IceCap K1 Nano.

 

[FUNGI]

if you have the room..this is a great price

IceCap AIO 120 All-In-One Aquarium Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)

For All-In-One Aquariums Ranging from 10-30 GallonsFootprint: 2.5 x 3.375" | Reaction Chamber: 3 x 2" | Height: 10"Pump: DCAIR-200 DC | Assembly InstructionsITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX.

store.coralvue.com

 

[gastone]

I keep 10 sw nano tanks (and 2 fw). I'm going to throw an inexpensive option out there, the IOAIO nano skimmer... https://a.co/d/dnsDIr2

I used one on an IM30 before moving it to a waterbox 15. Fwiw, I upgrade to a larger IOAIO on the 30, I liked the smaller one that much. Tom at IOAIO is active here on r2r as well. @IOAOI

Not affiliated in any way, just a very satisfied user.