We got a look at a hang-on back protein skimmer Somatic is developing and looks promising, especially considering there hasn’t been a lot of activity in this part of market. Following the direction of other Somatic products, with the Somatic Hang-on Back skimmer you’ll get the innovation of Vertex, but at a better pricepoint.
The Somatic HOB skimmer is still in beta and they’re finalizing all the nuances, but features the black acylic and red highlights we see in the other Somatic products. The skimmer input comes through the slotted overflow to ensure you’ll get good surface skimming and pulling in water from the water column.
The workhorse of the skimmer will be in the conical wineglass reaction chamber to give you a more effective way to get good dwell time to maximize the removal of the dissolved organics. Chewing up the air will be Sicce pump modified to Somatic’s preferences to deliver efficient production.
They also have thoughtful touches like an overflow tube that allows skimmate to flow back into the skimmer to prevent cup overflows, whether its from forgetting to drain it or from adding new things to the tank that get the skimmer working overtime, helping save a wet mess on your floor. It also has a nice cantilever adjustment to ensure the skimmer sits at the right angle against your tank.
The Somatic HOB skimmer will be a good option for all-in-on systems like a JBJ or Innovative Marine where you’re looking to add a skimmer when you don’t have a sump or sump space. Somatic expects it to retail somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 and should be available in the next few months.
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