IceCap K3-250HOB Round Controllable Protein Skimmer

IceCap K3-250HOB Cylindrical Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer (IC-K3-250HOB)

The IceCap K3-250HOB Protein Skimmer (SKU: IC-K3-250HOB) is an authentic, high-efficiency external foam fractionator distributed by CoralVue to deliver advanced water purification to large sumpless marine reef aquariums and high-bioload fish displays up to 250 gallons. While standard mechanical filters can intercept floating solid debris, dissolved proteins from organic wastes and uneaten foods remain trapped in the liquid column. Left to decay, these compounds break down directly into harmful nitrates and phosphates. The K3-250HOB serves as your primary defense, utilizing high-velocity air integration within its classic round body to physically bind, float, and remove these dissolved organics from your aquarium entirely before they can trigger unwanted algae outbreaks.

The defining characteristic of the K3-250HOB is its traditional cylindrical body silhouette, highly preferred by reef hobbyists over flat rectangular HOB layouts. The 5-inch round reaction chamber naturally smooths out water movement, eliminating the chaotic corner shearing forces that can prematurely burst fine bubble heads. At its performance core is the efficient Controllable DCAIR 2.5 Pinwheel Pump. Unlike old-school AC pumps that run at a single loud speed, this DC driver allows you to throttle the motor velocity across 10 distinct power intervals via an external digital controller, giving you absolute authority over the air-to-water ratio inside the chamber. This high-performance motor pulls an impressive 900 liters per hour (900LPH) of air while sipping a mere 16 watts of power, draining water cleanly beneath the operating line to keep the system dead-silent.

Key Features

• Active 10-Speed Flow Customization: Adjust pump power settings at the click of a button to quickly fine-tune your bubble height or stall the system for coral feeding windows.

• Low-Profile Intake System: Pulls organic-rich water smoothly into the external filtration line while staying unobtrusive inside your display aquascape.

• Fail-Safe Collection Cup Overflow: Includes a pre-installed 8mm drain barb and flexible line to route extra wet-skim fluids safely into an external reservoir to protect your floors.

• (Note: This retail box includes (1) K3-250HOB round skimmer assembly, (1) collection cup with lid, (1) controllable DCAIR 2.5 pump, (1) digital 10-speed controller, intake/return plumbing tracks, and a flexible drain tube).

IceCap K3 External Hang-On Series Sizing Chart