Aquarium Protein Skimmer Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Calculate the right protein skimmer size for your marine aquarium based on tank volume, bioload, and system type. Get recommendations for skimmer rating, air draw requirements, and pump sizing.
Aquarium Protein Skimmer Calculator
AquariumCalculate the right protein skimmer size for your marine aquarium
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What is a Protein Skimmer Calculator?
A Protein Skimmer Calculator helps you select the right size protein skimmer for your marine aquarium. It considers tank volume, bioload, and system type to recommend appropriate skimmer capacity and air/water processing rates.
Proper skimmer sizing is crucial for reef tanks. An undersized skimmer can't keep up with waste production, while oversized skimmers are less efficient and waste money. This calculator finds the optimal balance for your specific setup.
Protein Skimmer Sizing Guidelines
Light Bioload (FOWLR): Skimmer rated for actual tank volume is sufficient.
Medium Bioload (Mixed Reef): Skimmer rated for 1.25-1.5x tank volume.
Heavy Bioload (SPS Reef with Fish): Skimmer rated for 1.5-2x tank volume.
Key Metric: Air draw (liters/hour) matters more than tank rating. Look for 1-2 liters of air per gallon of tank volume per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size protein skimmer do I need?
Match skimmer rating to your tank volume, but oversize by 25-50% for heavy bioloads (reef tanks with fish). A skimmer rated for 150 gallons works well for a 100-gallon reef. Undersized skimmers can't keep up with waste production.
How does a protein skimmer work?
Protein skimmers use fine air bubbles to create foam that attracts dissolved organic compounds (DOCs). Proteins and waste stick to bubble surfaces and rise into a collection cup. This removes waste before it breaks down into nitrate, improving water quality.
Do I need a protein skimmer for a reef tank?
Highly recommended for reef tanks. Skimmers remove organic waste, increase oxygen, and help maintain low nutrient levels that corals prefer. While not absolutely required (some run skimmerless), they make reef keeping significantly easier.
Why is my protein skimmer not producing skimmate?
New tanks have less organics to skim. New skimmers need 1-2 weeks to break in. Check: water level in skimmer body, air intake not clogged, pump working properly, collection cup height adjusted correctly. Very clean tanks may produce little skimmate.
How often should I clean my protein skimmer?
Empty collection cup when 1/2 to 2/3 full (typically every few days to weekly). Clean neck weekly to maintain foam production. Deep clean body monthly. Clean pump impeller quarterly. Neglected skimmers lose efficiency significantly.
What's the difference between wet and dry skimmate?
Wet skimmate is lighter colored, more liquid - removes more water but less concentrated waste. Dry skimmate is dark, thick, tar-like - more concentrated waste removal. Adjust collection cup height to achieve desired consistency. Dry is generally preferred.
In-sump vs hang-on-back vs external skimmers?
In-sump: Most popular, hidden, stable water level. HOB: Good for tanks without sump, visible but convenient. External: Highest performance, requires plumbing, best for large systems. Choose based on your setup and tank size.
Can I run a protein skimmer on a freshwater tank?
No, protein skimmers require saltwater to function. Salt water has different surface tension properties that allow the foam fractionation process to work. Freshwater doesn't produce stable foam. Use plants, water changes, and filtration for freshwater.
Sources and References
- Reef Builders, "Protein Skimmer Selection Guide", 2024
- BRS TV, "How to Choose the Right Protein Skimmer", Bulk Reef Supply, 2024
- Reef2Reef, "Skimmer Sizing and Performance Data", 2024