I think we all can agree that a protein skimmer is a vital piece of equipment if you have a 200 gallon tank. Having a protein skimmer will ensure your aquarium’s water parameters remain stable, and it will also protect your investment in fish and corals. That’s why it’s very important to get the best protein skimmer for a 200 gallon tank, so you can have a healthy and stable aquarium.
The following article contains reviews of the best high capacity protein skimmers on the market. If you’re just here for our top pick we recommend the Reef Octopus Classic 202-S (Buy Online) if you want the best skimmer for a 200 gallon tank.
Best Protein Skimmer for a 200 Gallon Tank
Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer
The Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer (Buy Online) is a compact and powerful protein skimmer that will efficiently remove organic waste from your aquarium. This skimmer is rated to work on aquariums up to 265 gallons, and it can fit into sumps where space is limited.
The Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer is made of high-quality cast acrylic. The whole unit is also very easy to disassemble, so you won’t have to waste time when you have to get access to the inside of the skimmer.
This model comes with a powerful Reef Octopus Aquatrance 3000s Pinwheel Pump that produces a large number of small microbubbles. The “Super Cone” wine glass shape of the body also helps stabilize and concentrate the foam as it rises, which ensures that more organic waste is captured by the skimmer.
The Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer simple design and quality construction are what makes it one of the most popular skimmers on the market. It can process large quantities of deep dark skimate from a large 200 gallon aquarium, and it is extremely affordable considering its size and features.
The manufacturer recommends that this skimmer can be used on 265 gallon aquariums if they have a light bioload, or it will work perfectly on a 200 gallon tank if you have an average bioload in your aquarium. Otherwise, if you have a high bioload in your tank you might want to get a larger skimmer.
Features
Reef Octopus Aquatrance 3000s Pinwheel Pump
Footprint: 12.4 in x 10 in
Height: 23.2 in
Power Consumption: 35 watts
Air Draw 87-880 lph
Water Draw 211 GPH
Pros
It has a very high capacity, and it can fit in very tight spaces
The powerful pump produces a rich foam that quickly removes dissolved organics
It is very simple to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance
Durable high-quality materials
Cons
The pump can be loud in some situations
Can be challenging to tune initially
NYOS Quantum 160 Protein Skimmer
The NYOS Quantum 160 Protein Skimmer (Buy Online) is a high-performance protein skimmer that can move a lot of air and water. This skimmer is rated to work on tanks that range from 100 to 250 gallons.
This skimmer is a little more expensive than some of the other skimmers on this page, but it will outperform most of the skimmers on the market. It is also relatively compact, so you can easily fit it under a cabinet, or in a sump that is already packed with filtration equipment.
The NYOS Quantum 160 Protein Skimmer uses a Quantum 3.0 pump that is very efficient at moving large volumes of air and water. The Quantum pump can draw 1500 liters of air per hour. The NYOS hybrid wheel system also has a unique lattice structure that will generate a large volume of micro air bubbles.
This skimmer also has a clear-view reactor chamber that has been engineered to work in concert with the hybrid wheel system. The large reactor is configured to allow the venturi jets to create an optimal air-water ratio for maximum performance. The crystal clear acrylic also makes it easy to spot any foreign material that may have entered the skimmer.
The NYOS Quantum 160 is made in Germany, and it is built to last since it uses durable parts and materials. The skimmer utilizes nearly indestructible zirconium dioxide to generate the waves in the reactor. It also has 9 waterproof titanium screws that hold the whole unit together. All these details really show the extra care that went into the design and production of this skimmer.
This unit might not be the cheapest skimmer on the market, but the power and performance it offers are definitely worth it. If you want a turnkey system that just works right out of the box you can’t beat the quality and performance of a NYOS skimmer.
Features
Quantum 3.0 Pump
Dimensions: 7.29” L x 9.85” W 20.87” H
Power Consumption: 18 Watts
Flow Rate: 200 GPH
Air Capacity: 1500 l/h
Tank Capacity: 250 Gallons
Pros
Small Footprint
Easy to Clean
Silent Operation
Minimal Tuning
Cons
Thin Acrylic
Small Collection Cup
Bubble Magus BM-Curve 7 Protein Skimmer
The Bubble Magus BM-Curve 7 Protein Skimmer (Buy Online) is a very efficient protein skimmer that is perfect for someone who is on a budget. This skimmer is rated to work on aquariums that range from 185 to 240 gallons.
Even though the Bubble Magus BM-Curve 7 Protein Skimmer is relatively affordable, it is still made of thick high-quality acrylic. In addition, all the parts are very easy to access when you need to do routine maintenance.
This skimmer uses a reliable ROCK – SP2000 pump that is very efficient for its size since it only uses 16 watts of power. The pump might draw a minimal amount of power, but it still can produce a thick foam inside the curved reactor. Replacement pumps and parts are also readily available, so you won’t have to rely on the manufacturer if the pump ever needs to be serviced.
This skimmer also has an air silencer which will help reduce the amount of noise this unit produces when it’s running. That makes this skimmer a great choice for use in any location where excess filter noise would be unacceptable.
The Bubble Magus BM-Curve 7 Protein Skimmer also comes with a quick-release skimmer cup that will allow you to easily remove it from the unit. It also has a collection cup drain, so you can empty the skimate without having to take the cup off the unit
This skimmer is the perfect choice if you need a high capacity skimmer at a reasonable price point. Most of the time you can’t have both, but the Bubble Magus BM-Curve 7 Protein Skimmer will surprise you with how effective it can be at removing dissolved organic compounds from your aquarium.
Features
ROCK – SP2000 pump
Dimensions: 9.25” L x 7.87” W 20.8” H
Power Consumption: 16 watts
Air Draw 520 lph
Tank Capacity: 185 to 240 Gallons
Pros
High Power pump produces a thick foam
Very affordable for a high capacity skimmer
Skimmer cup has a drain that speeds up maintenance
Very quiet operation
Cons
Might have trouble skimming if your sump isn’t filled with enough water
Takes some adjustment to get the unit operating at peak efficiency
Red Sea Fish Pharm C-Skim 1800 Advanced Protein Skimmer
The Red Sea Fish Pharm C-Skim 1800 Advanced Protein Skimmer (Buy Online) is one of the most unique protein skimmers on the market. This skimmer is rated to work on aquariums that range from 150 to 450 gallons. If you have a 200 gallon tank this skimmer will work well if you plan on stocking fish and predominantly soft corals.
One of the most interesting things about this skimmer is that it has a unique design and form factor. Unlike most skimmers, this unit has an opaque reaction chamber that has a custom injection system, and it also has a conical top that concentrates air and water to help maximize performance.
This skimmer uses a PSK 2500 Aerostar Aspiration Pump that has a water flow rate of 450 GPH, and it has an air capacity of 800 liters per hour. The pump is also easily accessible on the front of the unit, so you won’t have to take the whole skimmer apart to perform routine maintenance.
The skim chamber on the Red Sea Fish Pharm C-Skim 1800 has a window that you can use to precisely adjust the foam output. The skimmer neck also has a washing system that will flush out any stuck on organic residue.
The washing system will wash the neck of the skimmer and return the organic waste back into the reaction chamber. This can help improve foam production by 30-40% if the skimmers neck is particularly dirty.
All the controls for the washing system and the pump are easily accessible on the front of the unit. That makes it very easy to tune the air flow and the silencer so you can really control the foam production. It also has a rotating drain port that you can use to easily remove the built-up skimate.
The Red Sea Fish Pharm C-Skim 1800 is a great choice if you want a skimmer that is easy to maintain and operate. This skimmer is ready to go right out of the box, and if you do need to tune it the controls are easy to access for quick adjustments. You also won’t have to work as much to keep it clean thanks to the built-in drain and the washing system.
Features
PSK 2500 Aerostar Aspiration Pump
Dimensions: 13.4” L x 10” W 21.25” H
Flow Rate: 450 GPH
Air Capacity: 800 l/h
Tank Capacity: 300 Gallons
Pros
Easy to install with two simple connectors
Easy to access the external pump
Washing System
Collection cup can be cleaned without having to turn off the pump
Excellent Foam Production
Cons
Can be loud if it is not properly configured
Washing system won’t remove crusted on residue
Tunze USA 9410.000 Doc Skimmer
The Tunze USA 9410 Doc Skimmer(Buy Online) is one of the most energy-efficient protein skimmers on the market. This skimmer is rated to work on aquariums up to 265 gallons, and it can handle 200 gallon tanks that have been stocked to capacity.
All the components in this skimmer have been designed to save energy while still providing peak performance. This skimmer only consumes 15 watts of power, which is a fraction of the power other large skimmers need to operate.
This skimmer uses a TUNZE Hydrofoamer Silence 9410.04 pump that was specifically designed for use in protein skimmers. The Hydrofarmer pump produces a large number of fine bubbles with a diameter of 0.1 to 0.3 mm. These very small bubbles help quickly draw dissolved organic compounds out of the water and into the collection cup.
The Tunze USA 9410 Doc Skimmer also has an intermediate chamber that helps control excess foam production. The patented Anti-Overfoaming System regulates the amount of foam in the system based on surface tension and the water level. That means the foam level is self-regulated, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time tuning the system.
This skimmer also has a connector for an ozone system, which can be helpful if you have a high bioload in your aquarium. If you choose to use an ozone system with this skimmer it can help reduce the number of yellowing compounds that end up reentering your aquarium.
There is also a removable filter below the outlet of this skimmer. This provides mechanical filtration using a 150-micron filter to remove any undesirable particulate from the water. You can also fill the filter sock with chemical or biological media to help further remove any contaminants.
This Tunze USA 9410 Doc Skimmer is the perfect choice for someone who wants a high capacity skimmer that doesn’t consume a lot of power. It also is one of the few skimmers that comes with a mechanical filter.
Features
TUNZE Hydrofoamer Silence 9410.04 Pump
Dimensions: 9.8” L x 7” W 16.3” H
Power Consumption: 15 Watts
Flow Rate: 237 GPH
Air Capacity: 600 lph
Tank Capacity: 265 Gallons
Pros
Collection cup holds a large volume
Removable mechanical filter
Connector for an ozone system
Low noise levels
Cons
Plastic parts are not that thick or durable
Skimate isn’t that dark
Coralife Super Protein Skimmer with Pump
The Coralife Super Protein Skimmer (Buy Online) is made by a company that has decades of experience building filtration equipment. This skimmer is rated to work on aquariums up to 220 gallons, but you can also get smaller models that are made for 65 and 125-gallon aquariums.
This unit is very well designed since Coralife has spent years figuring out the right way to configure a skimmer for maximum performance. One of the really unique features you’ll find in this skimmer is the dual injection inlets that increase the contact time between the air and the water. That means it can remove more organic waste using a smaller volume chamber.
This skimmer comes with a built-in Coralife Needle-Wheel pump that has been improved in recent models to draw less power yet still have the same efficiency. The pump creates a vortex of spiraling bubbles that produce a thick foam that will quickly rise up into the collection cup. The Coralife Super Protein Skimmer also has a bubble diffuser that will stop any microbubbles from entering the aquarium.
This skimmer has brackets that will allow it to be mounted in a hang on back configuration, or you can place it in a sump which of course is the more likely option if you have a 200 gallon aquarium.
This skimmer also has a wide collection cup that can hold a large volume of skimate. The collection cup is also very easy to remove since you can twist it off when it needs to be emptied.
This Coralife Super Protein Skimmer is a great option for someone who wants a reliable skimmer for a 200 gallon tank. The compact system can be installed in a sump, or it can be used as a hang on back skimmer. It is also has a nice modern design that will blend in nicely with any filtration system.
Features
Coralife Needle-Wheel Pump
Dimensions: 6” L x 8” W 25.5” H
Energy Efficient Pump
Flow Rate: 500 GPH
Tank Capacity: 220 Gallons
Pros
The powerful pump removes a lot of dissolved organics
Very quiet no loud noises or vibrations
Hang on back feature is useful if you don’t have a sump
Elegant design and craftsmanship
Cons
Installation instructions are a little hard to follow for some people
Durability might be an issue
What Size Protein Skimmer Do I Need for a 200 Gallon Tank?
