Nano AIO Protein Skimmer

[rdirtytwo]

Hey all,
I've been in the process of gradually moving corals and livestock from my pico/nano 9g to my recently established 26g over the last few weeks. I have an IceCap K1 Neo protein skimmer (smaller than the nano, rated for 15g heavily stocked) on the 9g. I turned it off because I didn't want to end up stripping the nutrients completely out of the water column with only 1 clownfish in it.

The questions I have are:

1. Would it be worth it/useless to put the Neo protein skimmer in the 26g (low fish bioload at the moment) until I have more bioload or until I can afford to buy one that's rated correctly? I understand I will be under skimming with this, but it will only be temporary.

2. What are your opinions and recommendations on protein skimmers rated for 30g (med/heavy bioload) that will fit into an AIO? The skimmer compartment can fit up to 4.25 W x7.45 L.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

I have the ice cap K1 nano. It's a way more effective unit than the build quality and materials may suggest. If you do run it, just put it on a KASA/outlet timer. I did the same on my 25 g AIO. However, I did switch it out for a Mini Q.

As far as other skimmers, hands down, Bubble Magus Mini q. Nearly half the price of all the others it and it competes more than favorably with all of them.

Efficiency, build quality, materials, noise levels, has a drain tube but doesn't need it because the cup fits perfect. It's the clear winner in the nano skimmer race. It even comes apart more easily for cleaning. Then feels more securely assembled and sturdy on reassembly.

Also, I'm not basing this off of the use of two skimmers. I've used every manner of skimmer available for nanos; from diy air drive, to hand blown glass mame skimmers, tunze 9004.?? (Can't remember), bubble magus, ice cap, even some cheap Chinese ones on a hope
And a prayer.

The only two I would ever rec are the ice cap K1 nano and bubble magus mini q. But the mini q is a bit small for your application and bio-load. Just put a timer on what you have

Big edit: k1 nano is a bigger unit than the K1 neo. Nano is right for your tank size with med - heavy bio load.

K1 neo and mini q are for smaller tanks and lighter bi-loads.

 

[rdirtytwo]

I have the ice cap K1 nano. It's a way more effective unit than the build quality and materials may suggest. If you do run it, just put it on a KASA/outlet timer. I did the same on my 25 g AIO. However, I did switch it out for a Mini Q.

As far as other skimmers, hands down, Bubble Magus Mini q. Nearly half the price of all the others it and it competes more than favorably with all of them.

Efficiency, build quality, materials, noise levels, has a drain tube but doesn't need it because the cup fits perfect. It's the clear winner in the nano skimmer race. It even comes apart more easily for cleaning. Then feels more securely assembled and sturdy on reassembly.

Also, I'm not basing this off of the use of two skimmers. I've used every manner of skimmer available for nanos; from diy air drive, to hand blown glass mame skimmers, tunze 9004.?? (Can't remember), bubble magus, ice cap, even some cheap Chinese ones on a hope
And a prayer.

The only two I would ever rec are the ice cap K1 nano and bubble magus mini q. But the mini q is a bit small for your application and bio-load. Just put a timer on what you have

Big edit: k1 nano is a bigger unit than the K1 neo. Nano is right for your tank size with med - heavy bio load.

K1 neo and mini q are for smaller tanks and lighter bi-loads.

Yeah the Neo is one size smaller than the Nano and it doesn't have an outlet valve; you can only adjust the height of the skimmer. I shouldn't have any issues running it temporarily (a few weeks at most), even with a light bioload in my 26g? Or should I just leave it in my 9g with one fish and run it on a timer? I still do 10-15% weekly water changes on both tanks.

I was actually looking at those exact two skimmers for this tank. Funny that you mentioned them. I'm actually leaning towards IceCap since I have their CO2 scrubber to pair and I like how the Neo performs on my 9g. It works surprisingly well for such a small design. I would have bought the K1 Nano right off the bat, but my 9g AIO compartment only fit 2.25" w.


Have you seen the IceCap AIO 120/240? I wonder how they perform compared to the K1 series.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Yeah the Neo is one size smaller than the Nano and it doesn't have an outlet valve; you can only adjust the height of the skimmer. I shouldn't have any issues running it temporarily (a few weeks at most), even with a light bioload in my 26g? Or should I just leave it in my 9g with one fish and run it on a timer? I still do 10-15% weekly water changes on both tanks.

I was actually looking at those exact two skimmers for this tank. Funny that you mentioned them. I'm actually leaning towards IceCap since I have their CO2 scrubber to pair and I like how the Neo performs on my 9g. It works surprisingly well for such a small design. I would have bought the K1 Nano right off the bat, but my 9g AIO compartment only fit 2.25" w.


Have you seen the IceCap AIO 120/240? I wonder how they perform compared to the K1 series.

I have not used the AIO 120/240. They weren't options when I started my last build. I'm fickle though. Up to and including a med bio-load on a 20g, I would use the mini q because it is that much better than the K1 nano. The neo is the minature version of the nano. Where the mini q wins is materials, price, and build quality.

Honestly though, in my experience with your situation. The K1 nano with a KASA strip or app controlled outlet timer would be a great way to go. It would give you tons of head space for future additions or need as it arrives. The Neo and Mini Q would certainly ne sufficient. But would not offer the head room.

Sorry I couldn't expand on the AIO series.

 

[rdirtytwo]

I have not used the AIO 120/240. They weren't options when I started my last build. I'm fickle though. Up to and including a med bio-load on a 20g, I would use the mini q because it is that much better than the K1 nano. The neo is the minature version of the nano. Where the mini q wins is materials, price, and build quality.

Honestly though, in my experience with your situation. The K1 nano with a KASA strip or app controlled outlet timer would be a great way to go. It would give you tons of head space for future additions or need as it arrives. The Neo and Mini Q would certainly ne sufficient. But would not offer the head room.

Sorry I couldn't expand on the AIO series.

I appreciate all the information you've provided. I think I am going to end up buying the K1 Nano and run it with the timer for this tank. Thank you!

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

I appreciate all the information you've provided. I think I am going to end up buying the K1 Nano and run it with the timer for this tank. Thank you!

Make sure it's foot print works in your tank. Maybe Google around and make sure it will fit in your back chamber. It's not a big skimmer, my back chamber is 2.75" (I think) and it fit in there. I had to use the magnet as a hanger to buy an extra 3/4". Build threads on your specific tank are a good place to look for fitment.

 

[rdirtytwo]

Make sure it's foot print works in your tank. Maybe Google around and make sure it will fit in your back chamber. It's not a big skimmer, my back chamber is 2.75" (I think) and it fit in there. I had to use the magnet as a hanger to buy an extra 3/4". Build threads on your specific tank are a good place to look for fitment.

I'm sure it will fit, the Nano is only .25-.50" larger. The back chamber of my AIO can fit up to 4.33"x7.45"

Here's the Neo for perspective

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

I'm sure it will fit, the Nano is only .25-.50" larger. The back chamber of my AIO can fit up to 4.33"x7.45"

Here's the Neo for perspective

Oh wow you have a ton of space back there!!