IceCap K1-50 Protein Skimmer
SKU: IC-K1-50
MSRP: $ 150.14
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Available Through Authorized Retailer
- Space-Optimized Internal Design: Space-saving layout mounts the pump entirely inside the base, creating a tiny 4.75" x 3.5" footprint that fits tight nano or mid-sized reef sumps.
- Refined "Beer Bottle" Body Contour: Distinctive curving body architecture reduces internal turbulence, naturally stabilizing the foam neck transition for consistent waste output.
- Energy-Efficient DCAIR-700 DC Pump: Equipped with a super-efficient 6W low-voltage DC needlewheel pump drawing a high-performance 200 liters per hour (200LPH) of air.
- Novel Pipeless Output Gate Valve: Saves critical horizontal space while providing highly sensitive, splash-free underwater discharge control for worry-free tuning.
- Low-Profile Bubble Dispersant Chamber: Located lower in the reaction column to offer multi-stage water diffusion, adding vital contact time for enhanced foam stability.
- Fully Strippable Modular Breakdown: Every individual structural piece disassembles completely with minimal effort, allowing for straightforward routine deep-cleaning cycles.
IceCap
Premium aquarium equipment without the premium price. Protein skimmers, pumps, reactors, heaters & more.
IceCap K1-50 Compact In-Sump Protein Skimmer (IC-K1-50)
The IceCap K1-50 Protein Skimmer (SKU: IC-K1-50) is an authentic, master-crafted marine filtration assembly distributed by CoralVue to deliver commercial-grade protein skimming into highly confined under-cabinet sump filtration arrays. Mechanical filtration like filter socks or rollers can only catch solid organic particles, leaving dissolved proteins from fish waste and uneaten foods to accumulate and break down into harmful nitrate and phosphate over time. The K1-50 serves as your primary water purification system, utilizing an intensive air-induction mechanism to physically bind, trap, and extract these dissolved organic compounds out of your marine ecosystem entirely before they can trigger invasive nuisance algae outbreaks or stress delicate stony corals.
Constructed entirely from heavy-wall cell-cast acrylic and robust marine-grade PVC, the K1-50 stands up to years of continuous high-salinity exposure. At its operational core is the highly efficient IceCap DCAIR-700 DC Pinwheel Pump. This low-voltage driver draws air through a specialized silencer and shatters it against an optimized needlewheel impeller, packing the compact 3-inch reaction chamber with a dense cloud of micro-bubbles while sipping just 6 watts of power. To combat the footprint issues common with standard external-pump skimmers, IceCap integrates the pump cleanly inside the reaction chamber. Backed by a pipeless horizontal gate valve design, this skimmer provides splash-free discharge below your operating water line, keeping under-cabinet hardware dry and silent.
Key Features
Maximizes Organic Waste Extraction: Pulls dark, concentrated organic waste out of the water column, instantly lowering biological oxygen demand and raising aquarium redox levels.
Ultra-Sensitive Pipeless Tuning: Horizontal control dial offers incremental gate height adjustments, allowing you to seamlessly dial in a dry or wet foam level.
Reef-Safe Structural Materials: Built with entirely non-conductive, corrosion-proof components to ensure zero chemical leaching inside sensitive marine reef environments.
(Note: This retail box includes (1) K1-50 skimmer body, (1) collection cup with lid, (1) integrated DCAIR-700 DC pump, an inline air silencer, an optional hanging bracket, and a flexible collection cup drain tube).
IceCap K1 Series Bioload Sizing Profiles
| Skimmer Model | SKU Reference | Heavy Bioload Limit | Medium Bioload Limit | Light Bioload Limit | Core Pump Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IceCap K1 Nano | PS-IC-K1-NANO | 10 Gallons | 20 Gallons | 30 Gallons | DCAIR-200 DC |
| IceCap K1-50 | IC-K1-50 | 40 Gallons | 60 Gallons | 80 Gallons | DCAIR-700 DC |
| IceCap K1-100 | IC-K1-100 | 40 Gallons | 60 Gallons | 80 Gallons | EVair 400 AC |
| IceCap K1-130 | IC-K1-130 | 80 Gallons | 100 Gallons | 140 Gallons | EVair 400 AC |
| IceCap K1-200 | IC-K1-200 | 150 Gallons | 225 Gallons | 300 Gallons | EVair 900 AC |
What’s Included:
(1) IceCap K1-50 Contoured Acrylic Skimmer Body (3" Chamber)
(1) High-Capacity Collection Cup with 6mm Drain Fitting
(1) IceCap DCAIR-700 DC Internal Pinwheel Skimmer Pump
(1) Integrated Air Silencer Bracket with Flexible Vinyl Airline
(1) Optional Rim-Hanging Bracket System
(1) Clear Flexible Skimmer Cup Drain Hose (6mm ID / 9mm OD)
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap K1-50 Protein Skimmer
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-K1-50
Primary Sump Application: In-Sump Marine Submersion Only
Reaction Chamber Body Diameter: 3.0 Inches
Total Base Footprint Dimensions: 4.75" x 3.5"
Total Operational Height: 19.0 Inches
Skimmer Pump Model Type: DCAIR-700 DC Pinwheel Motor
Maximum Motor Power Consumption: 6 Watts
Volumetric Air Induction Draw: 200 Liters Per Hour (7 SCFH)
Approximate Water Operational Draw: 70 Gallons Per Hour (70GPH)
Recommended Sump Submersion Water Height: 6.0 to 9.0 Inches
Warranty
CoralVue, Inc. hereby guarantees this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of:
- 1 Year
Warranty is activated on the date of purchase.
This Standard Limited Warranty applies and is limited as follows:
- To the product only as long as it remains in the possession of the original purchaser.
- To the product that has not been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
- To the product that has not been modified, altered, defaced, or had repairs made or attempted by other than CoralVue, Inc.
- That CoralVue be immediately notified in writing within ten (10) days of first knowledge of defect by owner or his agent.
- That CoralVue, Inc. shall be given first opportunity to make any repairs, replacements or corrections to the defective construction within a reasonable period of time.
- Under no circumstances shall CoralVue and/or the Manufacturer be liable by virtue of this warranty or otherwise for damage to any person or property whatsoever for any special, indirect, secondary or consequential damages of any nature however arising out of the use or inability to use because of the product defect.
- Unbox the skimmer and verify all parts. Twist off the collection cup and inspect the internal pump bracket connection block to confirm it sits squarely and didn't shift during transport.
- Place the skimmer vertically inside your filter sump's skimming compartment (or use the optional hang-on bracket if mounting directly inside an AIO rear chamber). Adjust your sump water level until it sits securely between 6 to 9 inches.
- Direct the air intake silencer tube high above your high water baseline, ensuring the airline loop remains straight and free of restrictive kinking.
- Open the pipeless water adjustment output valve completely by turning the top oversized adjustment dial counter-clockwise before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
- Connect the DCAIR-700 power cord to its low-voltage power supply adapter, then plug it into a certified, GFCI-protected outlet. Note: Expect a 3 to 7 day "break-in" period where manufacturing oils cause over-foaming. Keep the gate fully open during this break-in baseline phase.
- Once the skimmer has fully settled, rotate the top adjustment dial clockwise in small increments to narrow the water discharge gate. This will raise the bubble line up into the collection neck until a dark foam naturally begins to form.
Pro Tips:
- Do Not Adjust Your Gate Valve Rapidly; Wait 15 Minutes Between Micro-Turns. The fluid dynamics inside a contoured reaction chamber are highly precise. When adjustments are needed to modify your bubble line, make micro-turns of only a few millimeters along the dial circumference at a time. After a turn, wait at least 15 minutes for the internal air-to-water boundary layer to fully stabilize. Twisting the dial rapidly back and forth will cause the skimmer chamber to destabilize, leading to unexpected collection cup overflows or poor skimming results.
- Perform a Quick Airline Verification Check If Foam Production Suddenly Halts. If your skimmer pump continues to run smoothly but air bubble production drops or stops entirely, do not twist your gate valve tight. Remove the vinyl airline entirely from the pump venturi nozzle and check for blockages. Salt water splash can cause crystallized salt creep or calcium carbonate deposits to collect directly inside the air nozzle. Clear the path by flushing the warm airline thoroughly with fresh RO/DI water to dissolve the restriction.
- Wipe the Interior Collection Neck Weekly to Prevent Foam Head Destabilization. As the skimmer pushes concentrated organic sludges upward, a thick layer of sticky grease and biological fats will accumulate directly along the interior walls of the collection neck. If left uncleaned, this slime layer acts as a mechanical barrier that prematurely bursts ascending bubbles before they can spill over into the collection well, reducing efficiency by over 50%. Take 60 seconds once a week to remove the cup and wipe the interior neck completely clean with a soft sponge and warm fresh water.