Your aquarium getting dirty is not something new, but you will have to take the necessary steps to ensure that the aquarium water is cleaned perfectly.
The dissolution of the organic compounds in the water makes it harder for cleaning the aquarium water. If left dirty for long, then it would lead to more trouble for your aquarium inhabitants.
It is the reason you now have to get the best HOB protein skimmer to help with removing the organic compounds. These machines use air bubbles that effective for making sure you get to end with cleaner aquarium water at all times.
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The Best Hang On Back Protein Skimmers For Aquariums
Many hang on back protein skimmers exist today, but not all of them are going to help you with the process of removing the dissolved organic compounds. It is the reason you have to find the best HOB protein skimmer for your aquarium.
You might want to consider things such as the type of aquarium you own, the capacity of the skimmer, setting up, the brand, and the maintenance process. You have to consider choosing a model that would ensure you keep having a fun time with it keeping the aquarium water clean. No need to have a model that would deliver on performance for the long run.
Pictures HOB Protein Skimmers Aquariums Links
AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 Hang On Back Protein Skimmer Up to 90 Gallons
CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus Up to 100 Gallons
Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB Protein Skimmer Up to 105 Gallons
Eshopps Hang On Protein Skimmer PSK Up to 100 Gallons
Coralife Super Skimmer with Pump Up to 65, 125, 220 Gallons
Bubble Magus QQ1 Hang On Nano Protein Skimmer Up to 25 Gallons
HOB Protein Skimmer Reviews
1. AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 Hang On Back Protein Skimmer

This model is often considered a top model thanks to having a powerful submersible pump and the responsive collection cup. These are two important features you might always want to consider each time you are looking to end up with the best protein skimmer.
For this model, it comes with a rating of 90 gallons making it great for various aquariums that people might have. It is further designed to be thin and light too so that you can easily place it on a small aquarium without worrying it would be too heavy.
The model is computer precision engineered so that it can deliver the performance in terms of performance. You will always love the kind of performance that you get from such a model. It will make sure that the water quality is always maintained at its best always.
There is also the issue of maintenance for most people who own protein skimmers. That should not be a problem if you have this model as it is made to be easy to clean.
The compact design is another great feature you are going to like. From the ground up, the manufacturer designed this model for aquarium hobbyists. They are always looking for a model that would work great in their favor and this is it. Even when it can take up less space, it is also designed to reduce the noise and keep the model running at top efficiency.
The ease of use would make you want to use it even more. The setup process is simple for your protein skimmer. Within a few minutes, you should be easily done with the model and it will run correctly.
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It has a compact design
- It has great performance
- It is easy to manipulate
Cons
- It tends to leak more often
2. CoralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus with External 1000 Pump

This is another get type of HOB skimmer that you can get today for your aquarium. The external fitting design makes it great to fit in the tight spaces and the back of the tanks with ease. The compact nature does not have to worry you about thinking of the best place to mount it.
The design further makes it easy for it to work on the aquarium water without transferring much heat to the water. If you have had issues before with other models that would often overheat, then that problem stops with this model.
You could easily use it on different tanks up to those with capacities of 100 gallons. The unique design is further important when it comes to cleaning the pump. You simply have to separate a few parts and cleaning can proceed easily. No more problems like other models that would make it hard to clean when the pump gets dirty.
The setup process is designed to be easier. You can follow the instructions given by the manufacturer and you should be done in no time.
Some YouTube videos also exist today that would give you the idea of how to use the protein skimmer easily. Since it is made of high-grade acrylic, you should find that the parts are going to last for a long time to come.
Pros
- Impressive performance
- Easy to adjust
- It is a quiet model
Cons
- Some users claim that setup instructions are not clear
3. Reef Octopus Classic 100 HOB Protein Skimmer

This is another popular type of hang on back protein skimmer you can get on the market today. If you check out various reviews about the same model, you will easily realize that the model has been grossing the best positive ratings all over. This is because the model is effective when it comes to being a protein skimmer.
Starting with the design, the manufacturer made it be a space saver. This is because of the cylindrical shape that comes with the model. Keeping the design to a minimum should make it easy for you to use it for various cases.
It will take you just a few minutes to mount this model. You should have no problem with the setup process as it is super easy. The model is designed to filter many aquariums up to a capacity of 105 gallons. You should find a model being great for various home aquariums that most people own today.
The Aquatrance 1000 pump is impressive when it comes to performance. It will keep on working great so that you can enjoy using the model for longer.
Pros
- Great filtration capacity
- Unique design
- Saves space
- Great working for the pump
Cons
- It has a cheap craftsmanship
4. Eshopps Hang On Protein Skimmer PSK

Maybe the brand name might be so familiar like Reef Octopus, but this company has managed to make a name for themselves with this type of protein skimmer.
It is designed to have a large profile as a way of making sure that you end up with the best type of skimmer. The model can now easily handle a large amount of water that has to be filtered before sending it back to the aquarium.
As for the performance, you will easily end up like the model even after using it for the first time. The quiet performance makes it be one of the most popular protein skimmers today.
It is not silent, as you will notice that is running when you move close to it. This does not mean that it would make noise while you are in the room. It will also deliver faster filtration so that the clean water gets back to the aquarium fast enough.
The setup process is easy and anyone who is new to the skimmers can easily get it done. The product manual is also great when it comes to offering clear instructions. Even with the diagrams included in the manual, you should have an easy time handling the setup process
Pros
- Ease of setting up
- Impressive workhorse
- Great brand
- Impressive customer service
Cons
- No tuning instructions provided
5. Coralife Super Skimmer with Pump

Walk into any home with a reef or saltwater aquarium and you are likely to find a skimmer in the house. Most people like them for having the best performance when it comes to removing the organic compounds in the aquarium water. It is the same thing you are going to enjoy when it comes to using this model.
The model comes with a high-performance foam fractionator. This is important for making sure that you do not have to worry about the production of bubbles important for the working of the filtration process. The pump is further designed to save on energy so that you do not have to worry about it increasing the energy bill.
The best part should be about its filtration capacity. It is designed to be available for different aquariums ranging from 65 gallons to 220 gallons in terms of capacity. The model offers you the option of mounting it in the sump or hang it on the mounting bracket.
Pros
- Strong needle wheel impeller
- Great bubble production
- Ease of setting up
- Impressive capacity
Cons
- Slow customer service
6. Bubble Magus QQ1 Hang On Nano Protein Skimmer

The model might be small but it will always deliver the right amount of power you need for handling the filtration needs of your aquarium. The small size is great when it comes to easily hang it on your nano tank with ease. Many people would feel comfortable having this model in their homes to help with the filtration process.
The model can skim the tanks up to the capacity of 25 gallons. Being made for nano tanks, it should be sufficient to handle such work.
The pump is great for delivering the right amount of water filtration that you need for the aquarium. It is further a silent model you can get for yourself today.
You should easily note that the model is going to be easy when it comes to the installation part, as you simply hang it on the back of the aquarium.
Pros
- It is easy to install
- Powerful for its size
- It is an affordable model
- Faster in operation
Cons
- Low capacity when it comes to filtration
What is the Best HOB Protein Skimmer?
The CaralVue Technology BH-1000 Octopus seems to be a top model from the list provided above. The model is impressive in so many features that would make anyone with a tank like it.
The top range pump is important to make sure that the model keeps on delivering the best performance each time. It is further built with the high-quality acrylic material important for keeping the model looking strong and working for longer.
Reef Octopus BH 1000 and FOWLR 40 breeder tank
How to Set Up a HOB Protein Skimmer?
The first thing you always have to do is get familiar with the components of the supplied HOB protein skimmer. Most of the time, the manufacturer would send you all the accessories that you need for handling the installation of the protein skimmer.
You will also get a manual with the instructions and sometimes the diagrams for assembling and installing that particular model of a skimmer.
With the assembly complete, you can proceed to have the model hang on the back of the tank using the mounting bracket. Just make sure that the joints are well-secured so that there is no leaking of water.
How to Tune a HOB Protein Skimmer?
Most of the skimmers would be different in terms of operation and would need different types of settings for them to work effectively. This is all about tuning the protein skimmer.
You can also attempt to tune your model depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Normally you have to allow for up to 3 weeks before you can adjust the dials to find the optimum setting for the skimmer.
Conclusion
Multiple models exist when it comes to the best HOB protein skimmers. This is common in any category of products, but not all of them would be great. It is the reason we have highlighted some of the top models available on the market right now.
Choosing from these models would give you an assurance that you are getting the best models ever. You have to get the right model that would always deliver on performance and keep the aquarium water clean all the time.
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