Many people believe that a nano tank is easier to care for and beginner-friendly. But do you know, the smaller a tank, the more temperamental it is? The water chemistry and temperature may frequently fluctuate within short spans, and the protein buildup happens sooner because of smaller water volume.
Thus, they need frequent and dedicated maintenance, too—just like their bigger counterparts.
That’s why, today, I have brought you a list of the five best nano skimmers to buy in 2020!
The selection is made based on my personal experience with nano tanks and the day-long research I did on the internet, so you don’t have to.
So, our round-up of best nano skimmers in 2022 are:
Tunze USA 9004.000 Doc Skimmer
Eshopps Nano Protein Skimmer 10-35G
AZOO AZ13123 Nano Surface Aquarium Skimmer
Our Top Pick
The German-engineered Tunze USA 9004.000 Doc Skimmer is my top pick for the best nano skimmer in 2022.
The surface skimmer will eliminate the oil and bacterial film floating in the water, while the bigger skimmer takes care of other impurities. Even more, this skimmer offers tight control over the microbubble size, which ensures consistent skim mate every time.
Since it’s suitable for tanks up to 65 gallons, it will still work perfectly fine if I ever want to upgrade from my nano tank. In addition, with both internal and in-filter options for placement, this one leaves a minimal footprint.
If you don’t want to take my word for it, check out the raving reviews on Amazon itself. Several people have vouched for it and mentioned how it effectively replaced and superlatively succeeded their old nano skimmers.
Now, let’s have a look at the detailed reviews!
Tunze USA 9004.000 Doc Skimmer
The Tunze USA 9004.000 Doc Skimmer is one of the most sought-after nano skimmers in the aquarium hobby, and that’s very well justified. This one’s marked suitable for tank size ranging from 10 gallons to 65 gallons.
If you’re looking for a compact skimmer that won’t take much space, this one is a good choice. Many of the crucial parts are neatly tucked away on the inside of the body, which makes it slim and rectangular design possible.
As for the performance, the Tunze model doesn’t disappoint at all either. The amount of foam it produces is exactly what’s desirable for a nano tank. That’s because there’s an in-built feature that makes sure there’s no overproduction of foam.
Similarly, the suction feature removes the bacterial film on top of the water surface. The skimmer functions like a regular protein skimmer but is much more compact. Thus, it effectively filters the water while removing unwanted organic materials.
As for mounting, it comes with a smart magnetic system that makes it a great fit to be placed in any small tank. The installation is easy, while the instruction manual that comes with it is simple to follow.
Pros:
- Efficient foam production system
- Removes surficial bacterial film
- Tiny footprint
- Has a short break-in period
Cons:
- It sits a bit on the expensive side
- May require delicate air adjustment to prevent microbubbles
Eshopps Nano Protein Skimmer 10-35G
Buyers describe the Eshopps Nano Protein Skimmer 10-35G as a great value-for-money product that has struck a perfect balance between performance and construction. The manufacturers describe it as a suitable fit for a 10 to 35-gallon tank.
Featuring an acrylic body, the skimmer uses an Italian-made Sicce venturi pump that produces tiny air bubbles needed for effective skimming. At the same time, the needle-wheel impeller blends the air bubbles into the water for more effective skimming.
It also includes a removable collection cup that makes cleaning easy.
What makes it one of the top contenders for the best nano skimmers is that it is designed to fit in the chamber of most all-in-one style tanks. Thus, it has a minimal footprint and is relatively easy to set up too.
It comes with a detailed manual featuring drawings that will make the installation process a cakewalk. The customizable magnetic mount makes the positioning even simpler. You can also install the skimmer in the aquarium or the sump.
Pros:
- Much smaller footprint
- Removable collection cup
- Italian-made venturi pump
- Easy placement with magnetic mount
Cons:
- The collection cup doesn’t feature a drain
- Has a longer break-in period
Bubble Magus QQ1
While the Bubble Magus brand is best known for its bigger and sturdier skimmers, the tiny Bubble Magus QQ1 is their affordable option that packs all the values of its bigger counterparts. It’s rated suitable for tanks up to 25-gallon size.
The design is quite robust, which will last you a good couple of years. In addition, it uses a needle-wheel Rock SP600 Pump that packs a powerhouse performance. Similarly, both the body and foam bubble reducer are adjustable to suit your nano tank’s needs.
The unit is built with a noise-reducing muffler included in the air intake. It helps to muffle any sound the skimmer may produce. Likewise, its low power need won’t heat your nano tank’s water while also making it an environment-friendly option.
While it’s not the most compact nano skimmer you’ll find in the market, it offers great convenience. To position it, you simply have to hang it on the side of the tank.
Pros:
- Doesn’t increase water temperature
- A budget-friendly option
- In-built noise muffler
- Features a well-built and efficient pump
Cons:
- It can take relatively longer to break-in
- Only suitable for tanks lesser than 12mm thick
Mame Skimmer II
If you have qualms about finding a nano skimmer that fits easily into your tank and doesn’t take half the space, look no further. Mame Skimmer II is deemed suitable for tanks up to 25 gallons.
It’s one of the best nano skimmers because of its outstanding, slim design that makes it possible to be tucked anywhere you want. The clear glass body and design further add to its beauty.
The fact that even the mounting clip is clear shows it’s a really well-thought design.
In terms of functionality, the Mame Skimmer II is just as good as it looks. It can easily remove any dissolved organic matter and pollutants present in the tank, leaving the water crystal clear.
On top of that, it is equipped with a built-in function that contributes to keeping the water cooler—a function that’s most desirable during summer. Likewise, the gas exchange feature ensures that the oxygen coming inside the tank is thoroughly dissolved and distributed.
The installation process is quite easy as it fits almost any nano tank.
Pros:
- Visually pleasing design
- The gas exchange feature dissolves oxygen
- Keeps the water cooler
- Suitable for most nano tanks
Cons:
- Can’t close the lid as the top sticks out
- Instructions are written in the Japanese language
AZOO AZ13123 Nano Surface Aquarium Skimmer
The ‘Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover’ is a pretty befitting saying for the AZOO AZ13123 Nano Surface Aquarium Skimmer. Suitable for tanks ranging from 2.6 to 66 gallons, this one boasts of great reviews on Amazon as well.
For functioning, this device uses a unique air buoy design to adjust to the water level in the tank to offer long-term skimming prowess by default. The powerful film suction also makes sure to take out all the crud, so you don’t have to worry much.
The skimmer features a security inlet flap design that protects your tiny fish, fry, and shrimps from being sucked inside. In addition, it’s capable of adjusting automatically to the water’s height.
For design, the nano skimmer features a transparent body that blends seamlessly with the tank’s elements while also making it easier to monitor.
If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance, this could be an excellent choice.
Pros:
- The transparent body makes monitoring easy
- Minimal footprint
- Designed to prevent small creatures from being sucked on
- Reasonably-priced
Cons:
- It can be noisy
- Vibrates a bit more as it is consistently adjusting water level
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What Are The Advantages Of Using A Protein Skimmer?
A closed ecosystem of a nano tank is more prone to quick buildups of algae, food, plant waste, and fish waste, among others. That’s why a nano skimmer is crucial for a smaller tank under any circumstance.
Here are a few advantages of using a nano skimmer:
Discourages Nitrate Growth
Nano skimmers can maintain the tank’s nitrate level by retarding any nitrate buildup. They will remove the organic buildup before it breaks down and releases nitrogen compounds.
Tackles Algae Bloom
Algae is a constant source of misery for many of us, isn’t it? A nano skimmer reduces the level of phosphate, the algae food, in the tank, which will directly slump the algae bloom.
Facilitates Light Penetration
Once all the gunk and oil floating around in the tank is removed, the light penetration will naturally increase. That’s even better if you have a coral tank, a planted one, or fish that love sunlight.
Clearer Water Quality
Since protein skimmers offer an almost endless supply of waste-binding services, it improves the water quality by leaps and bounds. The continuous production of waste-removing bubbles continues effective waste removal with little need for replacement media.
Clears Gunk Bypassed During Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filtration needs to be frequently cleaned or replaced. If you cannot do so, the trapped particles will either clog up the water flow or break down and bypass the filter. However, nano skimmers can efficiently remove the dissolved organics that bypassed the mechanical filtration.
Increased Oxygen Level
Since protein skimmers facilitate proper gas exchange, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the tank increases, which, of course, is great for the tank’s inhabitants. And the subsequent reduction in CO2 levels helps to maintain a healthy pH level.
How Does A Nano Skimmer Work?
So, you must be curious to know how nano skimmers that seem to offer so many benefits actually work? Nano skimmers are pretty impressive in terms of how they pack so many functionalities within such a small device.
So, these skimmers work by injecting thousands of microbubbles into the water column, which binds to dissolved organics. And as the microbubbles rise to the top of the skimmer, the ‘dirty’ ones flow their way into the collection cup.
This is similar to how waves keep the ocean clean.
As a wave soars to the shore and stirs the water, it produces tens of thousands of microbubbles. And you may have noticed how the foamy broth on the top is often dirty, right?
Nature’s very own not-so-nano protein skimmer.
How to Maintain A Nano Skimmer?
For all the things nano skimmers do for your nano tank, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance, if I dare say. However, it doesn’t mean you can take them for granted. Clean the collection cup every day, regularly check the intake pump, and conduct a thorough bi-monthly cleaning.
Clean the Collection Cup Everyday
Since nano skimmers are equipped with smaller collection cups, they can fill up quickly. If you don’t empty them regularly, all the gunk and impurities will flow back into the tank.
Regularly Check The Intake Pump
While you don’t have to clean the intake pump every day, you still need to regularly make sure that the pump/hose doesn’t contain debris and can suck in the water perfectly.
Scrub the Collection Cup
While emptying the collection cup, don’t forget to give it an occasional scrub that will eliminate all the coatings built on the cup’s inside.
A Thorough Bimonthly Cleaning
Every two months, disassemble and clean the entire skimmer pump. Start with removing the pump base plate, pump cover, and impeller assembly with the help of a shaft and soak all the parts in equal parts water and vinegar.
Also, clean the skimmer’s body using hot water, a damp rag, and liquid soap. And to clean the venturi, remove it and clean both sides with warm water and liquid soap once again. If any stubborn gunk is left, soak them in an equal mix of vinegar and water for about 24 hours and rinse.
Lastly, don’t forget to clean the airline tube and wedge pipe and check all the electrical components.
Conclusion: Best Nano Skimmers in 2022
So, that’s pretty much there’s to nano skimmers.
To conclude, all the products mentioned in the 5 best nano skimmers list are exceptional in their own accord and deliver on the claims they make. But, remember, nano tanks require just as much care as their bigger counterparts—and sometimes, even more. So, get your beautiful nano tank a befitting nano skimmer today.
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