If you want your fish tank to look clean always you perhaps also understand the importance of a high-quality protein skimmer.
It is more important for you if you own a reef or saltwater tank. Not just for the sake of looks, you need a protein skimmer to maintain a healthy environment for your fishes. And the best skimmer you can opt for is SC Aquariums-SCA Protein Skimmer.
We shall learn about it in detail through an SCA 301 302 303 Protein Skimmer review, but before that let us learn what a protein skimmer is.
Last update on 2023-03-20 at 19:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is a Protein Skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a gadget that cleans the water in an aquarium. It does so by eliminating organic materials like excess bacteria, animal wastes, uneaten foods, and so on. The protein skimmers create bubbles that take away the compound along with it.
Also, using such skimmers you can get rid of compounds from your aquarium before they break up and cause havoc in the water. This gadget prevents algae from spreading and lowers the nitrate buildup.
So, a protein skimmer is very helpful and we also know which the best option for you is. So, why wait any further, let us dive into this SCA 301 302 303 Protein Skimmer review.
SCA Protein Skimmer Features
Nobody likes a skimmer that produces too much noise. This is something SCA understands and thus its protein skimmers come with an air silencer.
It reduces the amount of noise generated by your skimmer. To be more precise, it softens the sound that is created when air is sucked into the device to generate bubbles.
It is included in your package at no extra cost and this definitely is attractive.
Has Highly-Efficient Pump
SCA-301 has a 28-watt pump which may not seem great but is actually good enough for a small tank. Suction cups are present at the bottom that will help secure the pump to your tank’s floor.
The pump will be present underneath the skimmer’s body. Its output will jet up right into the chamber and create bubbles.
SCA-302 includes a 2000 needle impeller pump. They basically are a collection of needles that chop the tank water into little bubbles. These bubbles will trap unnecessary organic matter into your tank. Then, it will move it upwards and land it up in the collection cup.
The needle impeller makes SCA-302 highly effective and so does the Atman PH2500 needle impeller pump of SCA-303. It is more powerful than what SCA-302 offers and thus is suitable for bigger sized tanks.
Includes a Good-Sized Collection Cup
SCA-301 has a good-sized collection cup for small-sized tanks. It will require cleaning once or twice a week. But that should not be an issue because you know your tank water will be thoroughly clean always.
SCA-302 and SCA-303 both have extra-large collection cups. This will help make sure no matter how big your tank is, the collection cup will be able to collect the wastes effectively.
What is more amazing is that it is super easy to clean the collection cup of each of these models.
Easy To Assemble
Video: “HOW TO SET UP AND TUNE A PROTEIN SKIMMER SCA-302 180 Gallon”
A protein skimmer is absolutely essential for the good life of your fishes. You would not wish to waste any time after you get it. Rather you will want to begin using it as soon as is possible.
If, in such a situation, assembling your skimmer takes time it definitely will be frustrating. Thankfully, the SCA protein skimmers are super easy to assemble. You can follow the given instructions or even check YouTube videos.
Good for Beginners and Experienced Aquarists Alike
Since SCA Protein Skimmers are easy to maintain and assemble it is a great skimmer for beginners.
Even if you have never used a skimmer before you will not be intimidated by setting up this system. You will not also have any problem while cleaning it. SCA-301 is also very small in size and its pump will fit your palm easily so it is good enough if you are planning to invest in a small-sized aquarium.
SCA-302 and SCA-303 are equally easy to maintain and use. Since they are fit for big sized aquariums they make a perfect choice even for the most experienced aquarists.
Pros and Cons
We shall now discover the pros and cons of this amazing protein skimmer.
- Quiet in nature.
- Has a great build quality.
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to maintain.
- The three size choices make it ideal for all sized tanks.
- The manual instructions are not very easy to understand.
- Instead of quick release, it uses nuts for the skimmer body.
The Different Size Choices
These are the three options (with some basic differences) that you have as far as SCA Protein Skimmer is concerned.
SCA-301 Protein Skimmer –
- This skimmer is designed to work for salt water tanks up to 65 Gallons of salt water
- Air Silencer is included
- Skimmer Size: 4.25" L x 7" W x 17" H Ideal Water Level is 6 to 7"
- 1 Year Limited Manufacture Warranty
- Pump specs: 110-120V/60Hz 28watt, (1380 L/h)
Last update on 2023-03-20 at 19:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Good for saltwater tanks up to 65 gallons
- Measures 4.25 X 7 X 17 inches
- Weighs 5.9 pounds
- Has a 28-watt pump
SCA-302 Protein Skimmer –
- Work with heavy load 180 gallon saltwater aquarium
- compact size - fit most sump
- Atman 2000 pump needle impeller pump
- Newest Version! Silencer and extra large collection cup is standard now!
- laser cut for seamless assembly
Last update on 2023-03-20 at 19:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Good for saltwater tanks up to 180 gallons
- Measures 9 X 18 X 9.5 inches
- Weighs 9 pounds
- Has an Atman 2000 pump
SCA-303 Protein Skimmer –
- This skimmer is designed to work for salt water tanks up to 150 Gallon of salt water
- Air Silencer is included and extra large collection cup is standard
- Skimmer Footprint: 10" X 7" X 23"H Ideal Water Level is 8 to 9"
- 1 Year Limited Manufacture Warranty
- Pump specs: Atman PH2500 110-120V/60Hz 45.5watt, 2650 L/h
Last update on 2023-03-20 at 19:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Good for saltwater tanks up to 150 gallons
- Measures 10 X 7 X 23.2 inches
- Weighs 10 pounds
- Has an Atman PH2500 pump
Conclusion
A protein skimmer is not a choice but a necessity if you want your aquarium water to be thoroughly clean and fit for your fishes always. Now that you have gone through the SCA 301 302 303 Protein Skimmer review you also surely understand that this is the best skimmer you can opt for.
The SCA skimmers work super efficiently, are easy to assemble and maintain, are quite small in size, and makes no noise. Furthermore, it is available in three sizes and thus you can get the one that matches the requirements of your tank perfectly well. All in all, the SCA Protein Skimmers are simply perfect. If perfection is what you are also interested in then you need to look no further.
