The main task of protein is to remove the protein and amino acids from the water by skimming it off the water’s surface. They also remove other compounds elements, dead plants, food particles, and bad bacteria. All of these make the protein skimmer important for the survival and thrive of creatures in your saltwater fish tank. If you are looking for the protein skimmer that does not take the living space inside the tank of your fish, these following are our top 2 picks of best HOB skimmer: Eshopps Hang On Protein Skimmer PSK-75H vs Coralife Super Protein Skimmer. As a quick sum up, Eshopps HOP protein skimmer not the most powerful hob protein skimmer but it is a compact unit. Coralife Skimmer is a great option for the limited budget. 

#1 Capacity

Capacity is the most important specifications to check before you decide to buy the best protein skimmers. The capacity of the skimmer is the maximum tank size that it can handle for. In order to get the best results, you should choose the skimmer that has a larger capacity than your tank size. Eshopps HOB skimmer SPK-75H is designed to use for a small-sized tank, it can be placed on marine aquariums from 10 to 75 gallons. Coralife Super protein skimmer has 3 different models available with different capacities are 65 gallons, 125 gallons and 2210 gallons. It offers 3 options that you can choose the best suitable size for your tank.

#2 Effective Cleaning Process

The protein skimmer work by producing bubbles, which will remove harmful organic materials in your aquarium. Generally, the smaller the bubbles, the more effective the skimmer is. Eshopps PSK-75H includes the pump is made by Sicce, an Italian manufacturer. It is of very high quality, very reliable in function and working quietly. The Coralife Super Skimmer includes a patent it needle wheel water pump system that works remarkably well in operation. It also causes impressed by working quiet is and really good at heat dissipation. The Coralife Super Skimmer produces microbubbles in the aquarium and collects dissolved organic materials in the collection cup for easy removal.

#3 Compact unit that fits into your tank

You will not get the device and then realize that it is too big for your tank, you cannot install in the space you have. Eshopps PSK-75h is extremely compact in size. The cylindrical body of the Eshopps PSK-75H is only 3 inches in diameter and the total footprint of it only measures 7x 6 inches. This makes it a lot easy to handle and place, especially if you limit in space. Not only that, but the pump of this protein skimmer is also located outside the aquarium. This makes it takes less living space of your fish and reducing heat transfer. Coralife super protein skimmer measures 4.2 x 5.5 x 20.8 inch. It is not as compact as Eshoppes PSK-75H but it adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting and in-sump setup. What makes it suitable for different space.

All the aquarium needs to have proper filtration in order for the fish to be healthy and survive. We are here to help you find the best filter for a 55 gallons aquarium by narrowed your choice to 2 options: MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter vs Penn-Plax Cascade 700 Canister Filters. If you do not have much time to go into detail, we recommend that you should use Penn-Plax Cascade 700 Canister Filters. While these two filters will do a great job but Penn-Plax Cascade 700 Canister Filters more compact in size, does not tank lots of space inside the tank. It is also easier to maintain and remove.

#1 Flow rate

The flow rate of fish tank filter will determine how much gallons of water it can move every single hour or the size of the aquarium you can go with this filter.  If you are looking for a filter for 55 fish tanks, you should choose the one that can handle at least 3 times the amount of water in your tank per hour. The filter has at least 165 GPH is ideal for 55 gallons of the fish tank. The Penn Plax Cascade 700 has a high flow rate at 185 GPH. It’s ideal for all sizes of tanks up to 65 gallons. It also comes with a swimming pool style rotating 360 degrees valves that allow you to control the flow rate. Marineland Magnum Polishing can be able to filter 290 gallons of water per hour. It can be used for up to 97 gallons.

#2 Filtration process

You should go with the filter that can offer three-way filtration and more. They are mechanical media for maintaining the cleanliness of the tank water, biological for removing remove harmful toxins and chemical filtration to improve the colonization of good bacteria. MarineLand Magnum Poloshing has 3 stages of filtration of biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration. The Rite-Size floss sleeve catches all the dirt and debris that floating in the water; Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon removes odors, discoloration and water impurities. The dual-chamber provides a large surface for the growth of the beneficial bacterium that neutralizes ammonia and nitrites. Moreover, this also includes the water polishing feature that creates clean and sparkling water. Penn-Plax Cascade 700 Canister Filters holds everything from the mechanical, chemical, and biological filters. It offers the large filter trays, which allow you can add more media and have longer periods between replacements. You can use any filter media such as bio-floss, bio-sponges, activated carbon and others.