Tropical Marine Centre has launched a new range of DC pump-powered protein skimmers called Reef Skim 2.0. Aimed at cleansing saltwater systems from 250-1250 liters/66-330 gallons, Reef Skim 2.0 comprises three models that major on a compact footprint, low running costs, and a competitive purchase price. But a lot more is going on inside that should help make these new models more worthy of your consideration.
At first look, these are bottle-shaped skimmers with the pump placed inside the body to keep the footprint as small as possible. No real change there, but the pump is a ZKSJ pump, which TMC has been supplying for years in the UK and Europe, and we know them for their small size, silent running, high power, yet low wattage. Put a needle wheel impeller inside one of these and we predict a lot of bubbles.
The cylindrical bubble diffuser looks conventional but the silencer isn’t, instead being built into the collar of the skimmer for a neat look and practicality. Water height adjustment comes in our favorite form – a simple twist adjustable dial, rod, and gate valve one-piece combination. The DC pump can be controlled via a slimline inline controller, so two points of adjustment for those who crave it, dial the pump down and you’ll use even less electricity. There’s a feed mode included too.
Two watts of electricity
Three models make up the range, the 500, 750, and 1250, aimed at being suitable for systems up to a maximum of those water volumes in liters, but we expect that the 500 model will also be used for much smaller tanks and water volumes because it is so compact, at just 109mm/4.29” across. The best bit? Dial the 500 model right down using the controller and it can run on just two watts of electricity. That’s virtually unbeatable energy consumption for any piece of equipment, anywhere.
There is one more cherry on the cake – the price. Lucky British reefers will be offered these skimmers for £149.99, £199.99 and £249.99. That’s the equivalent of just $190 for the 500 model. TMC is championing low-energy reefkeeping and affordable reefkeeping with its latest release of products, and, when compared to some others in the market, the Reef Skim 2.0 scores well on both counts. It’s refreshing, and we expect to see these running in retail stores and home reef aquariums soon.
