AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer fit check
AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer is an in-sump cone protein skimmer rated up to 160 gallons. Box ratings assume light stocking, so ReefCrafter scales them by bioload: about 105 gallons lightly stocked, 80 gallons medium, or 65 gallons for a heavily fed fish tank.
AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer: fits roughly 100-300 gallon systems. Specs, compatibility math, sizing risks, and alternatives before you buy.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ 100-300 gallon systems, per the catalog fit range.
- ✓ Heavily fed tanks up to about 65 gallons, or lightly stocked tanks up to about 105 gallons.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under about 100 gallons; it is sized above them.
- ✕ Systems over about 300 gallons without adding capacity elsewhere.
- ✕ Heavy-bioload tanks above about 65 gallons; the box rating assumes light stocking.
- ✕ Hang-on-back or AIO setups without a sump chamber deep enough for it.
Compatibility math
Bioload headroom
Example: On a 75g mixed reef, ReefCrafter wants about 150g of skimmer rating for medium bioload.
AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer is rated around 160g, so the useful question is whether that clears the fish load with margin.
Risk notes
- A skimmer can be fine for a light reef and thin for the same tank once feeding and fish load increase.
Professional fit context
- Compare rated maximum gallons, physical fit, cup clearance, noise, and bioload margin.
- AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer fits roughly 100-300 gallon systems; confirm that range against the final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan.
Alternatives to compare
- Royal Exclusiv Bubble King Mini 160 Protein Skimmer
Same 160 gallon rating; compare format and features instead.
- Reef Octopus Regal 150SSS Space-Saving Protein Skimmer (VarioS)
150 gallon rating vs 160: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks.
- Bubble Magus Curve 7+ Protein Skimmer
150 gallon rating vs 160: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks.
Livestock this affects
- Copperband butterflyfish
Bioload score 2.3; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
- Tomini tang
Bioload score 2.3; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
- Blue hippo tang
Bioload score 4; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
- Snowflake moray eel
Bioload score 4; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
Full spec snapshot
- Category
- Skimmers
- Build tier
- Balanced
- Estimated price
- $380
- Tank fit range
- fits roughly 100-300 gallon systems
- Format
- In Sump Cone
- Rated skimmer capacity
- 160 gal
Related reading
Questions
Is the AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer big enough for my tank?
It is rated up to 160 gallons. ReefCrafter wants 1.5x, 2x, or 2.5x the display volume in skimmer rating by bioload, so it fits about 105 gallons lightly stocked, 80 medium, or 65 heavily fed.
What tank size is the AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer for?
ReefCrafter's catalog fit range for it is 100-300 gallon systems. Confirm that against your final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan rather than the box label alone.
What should I compare the AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer against?
Royal Exclusiv Bubble King Mini 160 Protein Skimmer (Same 160 gallon rating; compare format and features instead); Reef Octopus Regal 150SSS Space-Saving Protein Skimmer (VarioS) (150 gallon rating vs 160: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks); Bubble Magus Curve 7+ Protein Skimmer (150 gallon rating vs 160: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks).
Similar fit checks
