Hang on Back Protein Skimmers
Hang on back protein skimmers can be a great addition to your aquarium setup. They help to minimize nitrate levels in the aquarium by removing organic waste before it starts to decompose (at which point nitrates would be released). They are not normally required in freshwater aquariums but can be vital in marine / saltwater aquariums. Hob protein skimmers are especially important for reef aquariums where low nitrate levels are critical to maintain coral health.
Below we profile 6 hang on back protein skimmers that are work considering.
HOB Protein Skimmer Reviews
AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 Protein Skimmer
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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The AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 protein skimmers is simple to set up and maintain. The unit is 17 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches and will fit on rims that are up to three quarters of an inch wide.
The pump is an AquaMaxx SHARK 1.0 which is an upgraded version of the Sicce pump. It is able to maintain aquariums up to 90 gallons in volume where the fish have a moderate bioload. For those aquariums with fish producing a heavy bioload, the filter is more suitable for 60 gallon tanks. Filtration Rating: up to 90 Gallons (light bioload) or 60 Gallons (heavy bioload)
One of the major advantages of this hang on back protein skimmer design is that the pump is both external and completely submerged in water. Both of which help to ensure quiet operation.
Overall the AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 protein skimmers is very efficient. Unlike some other protein skimmers, it comes with a high quality pump. This helps to ensure its reliable operation over time. Not the cheapest, but it is one of the best protein skimmers available on the market.
Reef Octopus Classic 100
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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The Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB Protein Skimmer is suitable for aquariums up to 105 gallons in size. The unit is 17 x 8 x 3.75 inches and is easy to set up. It comes with a Aquatrance 1000 pump.
This protein skimmer operates quietly and has a large collection up. It is a great option for ensuring that your water clarity is amazing. Reasonably priced, this hang on back protein skimmer is well worth considering.
Macro Aqua M-50 HOB Protein Skimmer
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 3.5/5
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The Macro Aqua M-50 hang on back protein skimmer can be used on tanks up to 60 gallons. If you have a heavily stocked tank / large bioload you may want to reduce its usage to 40 gallon tanks or less.
The protein skimmer is easy to install and there is no need to prime it. This is one of the more economical options on the market today. Having said that, we’d recommend avoiding this model and instead spending a little extra to get a higher quality hang on back protein skimmer.
Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 3.5/5
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The Coralife Super Hang on Back Protein Skimmer has dual injection inlets to increase bubble/water contact time. It further has a bubble diffuser to prevent any of the micro-bubbles getting into aquarium itself.
It is possible to use the protein skimmer either in sump or bank hanging in on the tank with the mounting bracket provided.
If you’re used to working with protein skimmers, then this is certainly an option. However, it is a product that is difficult to set up and work with. If you want a simple plug and play protein skimmer then you may want to consider other options.
This product is also available in 125 gallon and 220 gallon versions.
Instant Ocean SeaClone Protein Skimmer
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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The Instant Ocean SeaClone 100 Protein Skimmer comes with a MaxiJet 1200 pump.
This protein skimmer is also available in a 150 gallon version.
Bubble Magus QQ1 Hang-On Nano Protein Skimmer
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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Bubble Magus QQ1 Hang-On Nano Protein Skimmer is one of the smaller protein skimmers on the market. It is perfect for tanks up to 25 gallons in size. One nice feature is that the skimmer itself is smaller than many of the other options. It measures approx 10.5 x 6 x 4.5 inches and can be used for aquariums up to half an inch in thickness. The protein skimmer comes with a Rock SP600 Pump.
The Bubble Magus is a great option for those wanting a simple protein skimmer. It is not the most efficient skimmer on the market, but it is well sized, simple to set up and runs smoothly.
Conclusion
Hang on back protein skimmers help to minimize nitrate levels in the aquarium by removing organic waste before it starts to decompose. They are usually not required in freshwater aquariums but are vital for many saltwater / marine aquariums. Hopefully you found a HOB protein skimmer above that fits both the needs of your tank and your budget. Good luck!