If you are looking to add a protein skimmer into your Nuvo Fusion 20, you will need to choose one that works great and will fit in the tank.
The Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion 20 is a popular choice for a nano tank.
It is an all-in-one style tank that comes with a built-in filtration system.
There are a few pieces of equipment you may want to add to the tank like a heater and protein skimmer as these are not included with the kit.
Regardless of the tank size, you will need to choose the properly sized equipment that is suitable.
It can be challenging to find certain items for nano tanks as they are limited in available space.
With the Fusion 20 aquarium, you will have a few options for mounting a protein skimmer.
You can position it inside the rear filtration section, hang it on the back of the tank, or place it inside the tank.
The following protein skimmers are all rated for at least 20 gallons and are perfectly suitable for the Nuvo Fusion 20 aquarium.
Innovative Marine Nuvo Skim
The Innovative Marine Nuvo Skim skimmer is the top choice for the Nuvo Fusion 20. It is rated for up to 25-gallon tanks and is specifically designed to fit various Innovative Marine aquariums.
It’s not very often that you find a DC-powered nano skimmer but the IM Ghost protein skimmer is one of them. It was the industry’s first-ever direct current nano skimmer.
It’s the perfect match for the Nuvo Fusion 20 and will fit easily into the second chamber of the filtration section.
Features and specs:
- Improved model
- DC powered needle wheel
- Large air intake
- Dual silencers
- Rubber feet to reduce noise
- Bubble plate diffuser
- Low profile design
- Dimensions: 3.58” L x 2.28” W x 9.84” H
Pros:
- Designed to suit the IM Nuvo Fusion 20
- Energy-efficient DC motor
- Quiet
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Costs more than other nano skimmers
- It takes some time to get fine-tuned.
Tunze 9001
Another great protein skimmer choice is the Tunze 9001. This skimmer is very reliable and works well.
The Tunze 9001 will fit into the center rear filter chamber, but you will need to perform some modifications.
The Nuvo Fusion 20 is designed with dual outputs that form a Y-shaped tubing which is attached to the return pump.
The best way to install the Tunze 9001 is to remove the Y-shaped tubing and use 2 separate return pumps instead of 1.
This will open up space in the center chamber for the skimmer to fit.
The other modification to perform is to remove the magnet that holds the skimmer onto the glass from the skimmer. You will have 2 magnet pieces.
Then attach the thinner magnet onto the side of the skimmer body using a reef-safe glue.
This will allow you to insert the skimmer into the chamber and hold it in place by the magnet attached to the outside of the glass.
Here is a video showing the modifications.
Features and specs:
- Rated for up to 37-gallon tanks
- Anti-overflowing system
- Airflow regulation and silencer
- Silicone buffers prevent vibration
- Bubble-free water
- Dimensions: 4.3” L x 2.5” W x 8.5” H
Pros:
- Quality design
- Quiet
- Advanced features
Cons:
- Modifications are required to fit properly
IceCap K1 nano
The IceCap K1 nano protein skimmer is a great option if you are looking for a plug and play skimmer that fits the rear chamber right out of the box. No modifications are necessary.
The K1 nano is a compact skimmer suitable for tanks up to 30 gallons. It is a well-designed skimmer built with PVC and high-quality acrylic.
This skimmer uses the DCair 200 skimmer pump, which is highly efficient and quiet. It also has a pipeless design which is a huge space-saving feature.
Features and specs:
- Turbulence reducing body
- PVC and acrylic design
- Pipeless output valve
- Efficient and quiet
- Bubble dispersant chamber
- Dimensions: 2.7” L x 3.2” W x 13” H
Pros:
- Quiet and efficient
- Pipeless design
- Easy to maintain and clean
Cons:
- Long break-in period
You can get today’s price of the Ice Cap K1 nano protein skimmer on Amazon.
Eshopps Nano
The last skimmer on the list is the Eshopps nano. This is a compact skimmer that packs a punch and will work great on the Nuvo Fusion 20 all in one aquarium.
Eshopps has designed this protein skimmer to fit many all-in-one style tanks and can also be used inside a sump or inside the tank itself.
The Eshopps nano is rated for tanks up to 35 gallons.
This skimmer uses the very popular and reliable Sicce pump.
The venturi design makes this skimmer very efficient and will keep your tank looking crystal clear.
Features and specs:
- Uses a Sicce venturi pump
- Needle wheel impeller
- Removable collection cup
- Magnetic mount for easy fine-tuning
- Dimensions: 4.5” L x 2.25” x W x 11.5” H
Pros:
- Long-lasting quality pump
- Strong magnet
- Quiet and efficient
- Compact and easy to maintain
Cons:
- Produces microbubbles
Do you need a protein skimmer for the Nuvo Fusion 20?
There are many discussions online regarding the use of protein skimmers on nano tanks. Some people will say you need them while others say you don’t.
Protein skimmers are a great piece of equipment for all saltwater tanks. Regardless of size.
Although you can make up for not having a skimmer on a small tank with increased maintenance and water change routines.
If you are able to incorporate a protein skimmer on the Nuvo Fusion 20, I recommend that you have one.
Summary
Choosing a protein skimmer that is properly matched for your aquarium is important. There are several options for the Nuvo Fusion 20 that are suitable.
They all have certain pros and cons.
A protein skimmer for a small nano tank is affordable, and you won’t have to break the bank to have one that does a great job.
If you are looking for additional upgrades for the IM Nuvo Fusion 20 aquarium, check out the following articles.