Nano buyer guide / UK

Best nano protein skimmers in the UK

For a nano reef, chamber fit and maintenance access matter more than a heroic litre claim. These five options cover three distinct mounting approaches.

The shortlist

Model / priceMount and dimensionsPublished ratingBest planning use
Bubble Magus Mini Q
£45.59
Internal; 82 × 53 × 225mmUp to 75L; 2W; minimum 160mm waterLowest-cost compact internal route
Fluval Sea PS2
£54.99–£84.99
Internal / bracket; 80 × 80 × 260mm20–80L; 8W; designed to fit Fluval Evo 52LMost obvious Evo-specific shortlist
Bubble Magus QQ1
£58.99
Hang-on; about 145 × 110 × 265mmUp to 100L claim; 8.5WKeeps the skimmer body outside a crowded display
Tunze Comline 9001
£94.95–£124.95
Internal magnetic; 110 × 63 × 215mm20–140L; 2.5W; 100l/h airEfficient established internal option
Tunze Comline 9001 DC
£157–£165
Internal magnetic; same 110 × 63 × 215mm body20–160L; about 5W, 8W max; 150l/h airPay more for controllability and added headroom

Pick the format before the product

Rear-chamber internal

Visually tidy, but only if the body, magnet, water depth and cup all clear the chamber geometry.

In-display internal

Simple and sump-free, with the trade-off of visible equipment and occupied display space.

Hang-on

Saves internal volume but adds rear clearance, external water paths and a visible body behind the tank.

No skimmer

Still a legitimate nano design when stocking is light and water changes, aeration and media cleaning are deliberate.

For the common Fluval Evo 52L

The PS2 is specifically marketed for the Evo and is the first compatibility check—not automatically the best performer. Measure the chamber, lid modification and cup clearance, then compare its £55–£85 price with the smaller Bubble Magus Mini Q and the more expensive Tunze options. If the tank is lightly stocked, read whether you need a skimmer at all before sacrificing chamber space.

Sources and limitations

Tunze dimensions, immersion depth, air capacity and power were checked against its current product pages. Fluval, Bubble Magus and UK pricing were cross-checked through current listings from Homeleigh, Shirley Aquatics, Complete Aquatics, Essex Marine Aquatics, Finest Aquatics and Marine Aquatics. We have not verified acoustic output, break-in time or microbubble escape.

BEFORE BUYING

Run the full six-point sizing check.

Open the sizing guide