| Model | Dimensions | Flow Rate | Price |
| 65 gallon | 4.25 L x 5.5 W x 20.75 H inches | 325 GPH | Medium |
| 125 gallon | 5 L x 7.25 W x 24.5 H inches | 500 GPH | Medium-High |
| 220 gallon | 6 L x 8 W x 25.5 H inches | 500 GPH | Medium-High |
Overview
The Coralife Super Needle Wheel protein skimmer is great for experienced aquarists who are looking for a protein skimmer that performs better than entry level protein skimmers, but is not priced sky-high.
The Coralife Super Needle Wheel protein skimmer performs better than cheaper protein skimmers as it features needle wheel technology and venturi technology. The venturi valve valve uses the high-flow water pump to create high-pressure water that makes air bubbles when water flows through. The needle wheel impeller then chops up these air bubbles as they are made, resulting in smaller, micro air bubbles. Micro bubbles allow your protein skimmer to trap as small as micro organic waste in your tank to ensure the cleanest aquarium water possible.
The Coralife Super Needle Wheel protein skimmer comes with all necessary equipment for setting the protein skimmer up. The water pump that is included is 530 GPH and takes up 9 L x 4 W x 5 H inches, so be sure the water pump will fit in your aquarium or sump.
Setting Up Your Coralife Super Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
You can choose to either hang your Coralife Super protein skimmer on the back of your aquarium, or hook it up within your sump.
If you choose to hang the Coralife Super protein skimmer on the back of your aquarium, make sure there is 8 inches of space between your aquarium and the wall. Note also for hang on back use that the mounting bracket for the protein skimmer will need two 1.125 inch holes in your aquarium canopy to fit into.
If you choose to hook up your Coralife Super protein skimmer in your sump make sure that the protein skimmer will fit with at least one inch of space between your aquarium stand wall and the protein skimmer. Also make sure there is adequate room for the water pump and protein skimmer in your sump, approximately 12 L x 10 W inches.
Next up is to set up the protein skimmer itself.
To setup the 65 gallon model collection cup:
A. Place O-ring into O-ring groove located on the main chamber(top of body of protein skimmer).
B. Align and place the collection cup threaded ring on top of the O-ring.
C. Twist the collection cup threaded ring clockwise to tighten. Make sure all parts are secure.
To setup the 125 gallon and 220 gallon collection cup:
A. Attach collection cup lid to collection cup.
B. Either attach collection cup drain plug onto collection cup drain hole if you do not wish to use the collection cup drain, or attach collection cup tubing from collection cup drain to a large container if you wish for the collected waste to drain into a large bucket.
Note: The collection cup drainage system allows you to not worry about emptying the collection cup often. You can usually leave the protein skimmer collect for weeks without emptying your large container of gunk.
C. Place O-ring into O-ring groove located on top of the main chamber(body of protein skimmer).
D. Align and place collection cup threaded ring on top of the O-ring on the main chamber.
E. Twist the collection cup threaded ring clockwise to tighten it.
F. Make sure the collection cup parts are tightened and secure.
To install the Coralife Super protein skimmer as a hang on back of your aquarium:
A. Pick where you would like to hang the protein skimmer on your tank. Make sure there is adequate room for it to fit behind your aquarium, approximately 8 inches of space.
B. Attach short flexible tubing onto the protein skimmer intake.
C. Attach the water pump to flexible tubing. Make sure all tubing connections are secure.
Note: The 65 gallon model will have a flow control valve.
D. Hang main chamber skimmer bracket onto your desired location on your aquarium.
Note: Do not submerse the skimmer bracket in water or obstruct airway passage through the air-inlet silencer.
E. Attach output tubing onto the water output. Make sure the vent hold is facing upwards.
F. Attach the bubble-production diffuser onto the aquarium so that the output tubing goes into it. Make sure the top of the bubble-production diffuser is at least 1/4 inch above the waterline.
Note: For the 65 gallon model you will need to insert the white filter pad into the bubble-production diffuser. You will then need to place the black sponge on top of the white filter pad. Lastly you will need to insert a mounting bracket into the bubble-production diffuser so that it stays still.
G. Trim output tubing or adjust the height of the bubble-production diffuser so that there is a 1 inch space in between the black sponge and the white filter pad to prevent micro-bubbles from getting into your aquarium display.
H. Tighten the screws on the protein skimmer’s main chamber mount and bubble-production diffuser mount so that they will not move.
To install the Coralife Super protein skimmer as a in-sump setup:
A. Pick where you would like to position your Coralife Super protein skimmer.
B. Attach the long flexible tubing onto the chamber intake.
C. Attach the water pump to flexible tubing. Make sure all the tubing connections are secure.
D. Place your Coralife Super protein skimmer where you want it inside your sump. Do not submerse the protein skimmer in water or obstruct the airway passage through the air-inlet silencer.
Note: If your Coralife Super protein skimmer is floating away, insert some saltwater into the main chamber.
E. Attach output tubing onto the water output, making sure the vent hole is facing upwards.
F. Place the round diffuser sponge into the sump so that the output tubing will flow into it. This prevents micro-bubbles from flooding your aquarium display.
How To Operate Your Coralife Super Protein Skimmer
A. Ensure all tubing and collection cup parts are secure.
B. Check that the air-inlet silencer is above water.
C. Check to make sure the water-level adjustment dial is in the open position.
D. Plug water pump into power source.
E. Adjust the water-level adjustment dial so that micro-bubbles are just below the collection cup cone. Refer to the top picture on the right to see how this looks. Let the unit run like this for 72 hours to break in.
Note: If you have the 65 gallon model you will use the flow control valve for coarse adjustment and the water-level adjustment dial for finer adjustment.
After your Coralife Super protein skimmer is broken in after about one week, you can choose from two skimming options: dry skimming or wet skimming.
To dry skim:
A. Adjust micro-bubbles so that they flow 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch inside the collection cup cone. Dry skimming will produce dense, concentrated foam.
To wet skim:
A. Adjust micro-bubbles to 3/4 inch to 3 inches inside the collection cup cone. Wet skimming will produce wet, diluted foam.
Maintenance
If you are not using the drainage system, you should check your Coralife Super protein skimmer collection cup daily to be sure it is not full. If it is full, empty it out and rinse it in your sink.
Every few days you should check and make sure the air-inlet silencer is not full of debris or salt so that your protein skimmer can function properly.
Each week you should rinse your bubble-production diffuser sponges since they may build up some debris that you do not want flowing into your clean tank water.
Each month you should be sure to check that your water pump is clean, and the tubes are not clogged.
Warranty
The Coralife Super protein skimmer comes with a Central Aquatics Company 12 month limited warranty. This warranty protects against defective material and defective workmanship that occurs during normal in-home use for 12 months from date of purchase. The warranty will allow replacements and repairs. The warranty does not cover loss of aquarium life, personal injury, property loss, or any other damage from usage of the product. To use the warranty you must show proof of purchase.
Refer to Coralife’s full warranty page for more details.
