The good news is that when you shop at TB Aquatics you can rest assured that if we sell the product it meets our exacting standards so you cannot go wrong with any that we carry. How do you choose which one?
- It must fit in your sump for in sump skimmers, in your cabinet for external skimmers or on your tank for hang on skimmers. You want to make sure you’ll be able to remove the collection cup and clean your skimmer easily.
- It should be rated for your tank size. If your tank is heavily loaded choose a skimmer rated for a larger tank. Also assume that most manufacturers rate there skimmers assuming the tank is very lightly stocked. In a nutshell bigger is better for the most part.
- You’ll want it to be fairly quiet especially if the tank equipment is in your bedroom or family room.
- The type of skimmer is important. Currently we recommend Pin, Needle or Mesh wheel skimmers as they are the most efficient at effectively skimming your tank.
Here are our personal choices.
Hang on Skimmers
Best Value – Eshopps Hang On Skimmers
These are well built and supported mesh wheel skimmers. Can’t beat the prices either.
Top Pick – Hang on Skimmer – Aquamaxx HOB-1 Skimmer
The Aquamaxx HOB-1 Skimmer is a great hang on skimmer. Uses an efficient Sicce needlewheel skimmer.


For in sump skimmers we recommend Eshopps, SWC and Bubble Magus as value skimmers.

Aquamaxx are good midrange skimmers.

We recommend ATB as the Cadillac of skimmers.







