The new IceCap K1 Protein Skimmers are the latest protein skimmer line from the company following up on its K1 line launched in 2015.
Although its becoming more difficult to find the “new” enhancements on skimmers, a primary change on the IceCap K2 is the shift from the industry norm Sicce pump to an EVair protein skimmer pump. Looking at the specs, on paper both pumps preform about the same.
IceCap notes the typical Sicce pump comes with a 1-year warranty, but the EVair features a 2-year warranty along with an easy grip-and-twist access to the pinwheel for easy service.
Otherwise the K1 and K2 share many of the same features, a “Beer Bottle” curve on the skimmer body, use of a pipeless design and gate valve for better control, and integrated silencer.
A few other notable changes include a switch from blue accents to orange as well as adding measuring lines on the skimmer cup to measure skimmate output. Overall, the designs look to improve on space and functionality as things like the gate control is less bulk and seems to sit higher.
It is hard to see from the images online, but it looks like they’ve tweaked the bubble plate a bit, possibly shifting away from the bubble output holes on the side. We’re pretty confident that any changes made are to better the overall performance.
The IceCap K1 comes in four sizes and may come in at a slightly lower price than the K2 lines. The smallest skimmer in the line is the IceCap K1 Nano that uses a 2 in. reaction chamber to 2.75 x 3.2 x 13 in. size driven by a DCair 200 skimmer pump. The IceCap K1 Nano retails for $89.99.
The midsize skimmers include the IceCap K1-130 and IceCap K1-160. The K1-130 is rated for 80 to 140 gallon tanks, uses a 5 in. reaction chamber and measures in at 7.3 x 5.6 x 19 in. and is driven by an EVair 400 pump. The IceCap K1-130 retails for $189.99 making it a decent option for a sub $200 skimmer that will fit a majority of reef tanks.
The larger IceCap K1-160 is rated for tanks in the 120 to 200 gallon range, with a 6 in. reaction chamber, measuring in at 6.7 x 8.5 x 21 in., and is powered by an EVair 600. The IceCap K1-160 retails for $269.99.
The biggest of the four is the IceCap K1-200 designed for tanks from 180 to 350 gallons. It has an 8 in. reaction chamber, measures in at 10.23 x 8.5 x 22 in. and is driven by an EVair 900 skimmer pump. The largest skimmer retailers for $359.99.
All four skimmers are available from authorized resellers.
