This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in February of 2017. If you’re looking to rid your fish tank of accumulated gunk, debris, and oily residue, these handy aquarium skimmers will do the trick. By removing proteins and organic materials from the surface, they will improve water quality, oxygen exchange, and light penetration, leaving your aquatic friends clean and happy and creating a crystal-clear view for you. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best aquarium skimmer on Amazon.
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Top 10 Aquarium Skimmers
10. Jardli Glass Lily Pipe
The elegant Jardli Glass Lily Pipe is a 360-degree inflow design, which means it allows water to enter from all directions without it becoming clogged, making it simple to maintain. The two-millimeter tubing is thick and strong, and won’t wear out easily.
- Assembles in minutes
- No priming needed
- Hose attachment point is a bit short
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9. Coralife Super
With its wide-neck collection cup and easy-twist feature for effortless cleaning, the Coralife Super proves easy to use and maintain. It uses a patented needle wheel aspiration system, and its dual injection inlets increase contact with the water.
- Mounting bracket included
- Bubble production diffuser
- Instructions are confusing
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8. KollerCraft Tom
The powerful KollerCraft Tom siphons overflow continuously to foster a healthy environment for your fish and aquatic plants. It’s great for removing oil and buildup from the top of your tank while aerating and circulating the water in the process.
- Is easy to adjust
- An affordable choice
- Connecting tube is rather short
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7. Odyssea Clean 100
Quite powerful for its size, the Odyssea Clean 100 includes a 5-watt pump with a flow rate of 110 gallons per hour. Its top component floats on the surface, so you don’t have to worry about manually moving it as your water level rises and falls.
- 2 mounting brackets
- For either rimmed or rimless tanks
- No suction cup for stabilization
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6. Fluval A240
Priced at less than $20, the Fluval A240 is a nice option for those on a budget, and can conveniently be combined with most pumps, thanks to its adjustable intake. It eliminates ugly film and improves oxygen exchange like a champ.
- Does not contain any metal
- Simple to install
- Can generate significant noise
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5. Eheim Skim 350
Excellent for providing aeration, the Eheim Skim 350 is lightweight and barely noticeable, making it suitable for either temporary or long-term use. It boasts a handy plug-and-play design and works well in both freshwater and marine environments.
- Includes a small filter pad
- Attaches with 3 rubber suction cups
- Energy efficient operation
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4. Macro Aqua M-50
Ideal for saltwater fish and reef ecosystems, the Macro Aqua M-50 comes ready to go out of the box and requires no priming. It hangs on the back of the tank and captures organic waste in a collection cup that is easy to remove and clean.
- 10 inches in height
- Works with up to 60 gallons
- Needle-to-wheel impeller
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3. SC Aquariums 302
Compact but sturdy, the SC Aquariums 302 can handle sizable tanks and works efficiently with heavy water flows. It’s laser cut for an easy assembly, and includes a silencer and a large collection cup, so you won’t have to purchase any additional pieces.
- Replacement parts readily available
- A good value for the price
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
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2. Bubble Magus Curve 5
The Bubble Magus Curve 5 features a simple, quick-release collection cup that makes for easy cleaning and maintenance. The internal pump’s intake and outlet can conveniently be positioned inline or perpendicular, making it suitable for most setups.
- Compact footprint
- Air silencer for a quiet operation
- Sleek attractive design
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1. Coral Vue Technology Octopus
Capable of working in tanks of up to 210 gallons, the Coral Vue Technology Octopus is an effective choice. This model’s new pinwheel impellers improve its performance by up to 100%, and work quickly to make your fish’s environment sparkle.
- High-density-plastic build
- Handy quick-release neck
- Helpful setup videos online
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