IceCap K3-160 In-Sump Controllable Protein Skimmer
SKU: IC-K3-160INT
MSRP: $ 381,14
-
Available Through Authorized Retailer
- Controllable DCAIR 2.5 DC Pump: Driven by a low-voltage DC pinwheel pump featuring an external 10-speed digital keypad controller and an integrated 10-minute feed pause timer.
- Space-Saving Internal Footprint: Keeps your sump organized with a compact 6.7" x 8.5" footprint that fits cleanly into confined under-cabinet filtration layouts.
- High-Volume 900 LPH Air Induction: Energy-efficient 16W motor pulls up to 900 liters per hour (900LPH) of air to generate an ultra-dense, stable foam head.
- Submerged Pipeless Adjustments: Bypasses horizontal wedge pipes, utilizing an ultra-smooth internal dial mechanism for silent, splash-free sump water discharge.
- Integrated Bubble Dispersant Plate: Internally diffuses high-velocity water movement at the absolute base of the chamber, preventing fine micro-bubbles from escaping into the return line.
- Premium Acrylic Modular Build: Formed entirely from premium cell-cast acrylic that disassembles quickly without tools for hassle-free maintenance and cleaning routines.
IceCap
Premium aquarium equipment without the premium price. Protein skimmers, pumps, reactors, heaters & more.
IceCap K3-160INT Controllable In-Sump Protein Skimmer (IC-K3-160INT)
The IceCap K3-160INT Protein Skimmer (SKU: IC-K3-160INT) is an authentic, laboratory-grade internal filtration system distributed by CoralVue to bring advanced, controllable organic nutrient export to mid-to-large marine reef aquariums up to 250 gallons. While mechanical filters like filter socks or roller mats excel at catching floating detritus, dissolved proteins from organic wastes and uneaten foods remain trapped in the liquid column. Left to decay, these compounds break down directly into harmful nitrates and phosphates. The K3-160INT serves as your frontline defense, utilizing high-velocity air integration to physically bind, float, and remove these dissolved organics from your aquarium system entirely before they can trigger unwanted algae outbreaks or stress delicate stony corals.
Constructed from heavy-duty cell-cast acrylic and thick polymer components, the K3-160INT features a 6-inch reaction column optimized to maximize contact time within a highly space-efficient frame. At its performance core is the efficient, low-voltage Controllable DCAIR 2.5 Pinwheel Pump. Unlike old-school AC pumps that run at a single loud speed, this DC driver allows you to throttle the motor velocity across 10 distinct power intervals via an external digital controller, giving you absolute authority over the air-to-water ratio inside the chamber. This high-performance motor pulls an impressive 900 liters per hour of air while sipping a mere 16 watts of power. Combined with a pipeless gear output valve that discharges water smoothly underneath the baseline to eliminate splashes, this skimmer delivers dead-silent operation while protecting your cabinet from humidity and salt spray.
Key Features
Active 10-Speed Flow Customization: Adjust pump power settings at the click of a button to quickly fine-tune your bubble height or stall the system for coral feeding windows.
Cabinet-Saving Space Configuration: Maximizes your filtration area by housing the water pump entirely within the lower base framework of the skimmer cavity.
Quiet Submerged Discharge: Internal gate configuration routes effluent water cleanly out of the lower base below the operating waterline, stopping trickling noises.
Note: This retail box includes (1) K3-160INT skimmer assembly, (1) collection cup with lid, (1) controllable DCAIR 2.5 pump, (1) digital 10-speed controller, an air intake silencer, and a flexible collection cup drain tube.
IceCap K3 Internal Series Bioload Sizing Profiles
What’s Included:
(1) IceCap K3-160INT Acrylic Skimmer Body Frame (6" Chamber)
(1) High-Capacity Collection Cup with 8mm Drain Port & Sealing Plug
(1) Low-Voltage Controllable DCAIR 2.5 Pinwheel Skimmer Pump
(1) Digital 10-Speed Pump Control Module with Backlit Interface
(1) Custom Air Intake Silencer with Flexible Silicone Airline Tubing
(1) Clear Flexible Collection Cup Waste Drain Hose Line (8mm ID / 12mm OD)
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap K3-160INT Protein Skimmer
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-K3-160INT
Primary Sump Application: In-Sump Marine Submersion Only
Reaction Chamber Base Diameter: 6.0 Inches
Total Base Footprint Dimensions: 6.7" x 8.5"
Total Operational Height: 21.25 Inches
Skimmer Pump Operational Voltage: 24V DC via 100~240V AC Adapter
Maximum Motor Power Consumption: 16 Watts Peak Draw
Volumetric Air Induction Draw: 900 Liters Per Hour (21 SCFH)
Volumetric Water Flow Output: ~237 Gallons Per Hour
Recommended Sump Submersion Water Height: 7.0 to 10.0 Inches
Official Manufacturer Warranty Support: 3-Year Pump Body / 1-Year Electronics Coverage
- Unbox all parts. Twist off the collection cup and inspect the lower thumbscrews to ensure the skimmer base body frame is bolted firmly to the blue pump tracking alignment bracket.
- Position the skimmer vertically inside your filter sump's designated skimming partition. Adjust your water level or utilize a dedicated skimmer stand until your operating water depth sits securely between 7.0 to 10.0 inches.
- Position the air intake silencer assembly high above your sump's high water baseline, ensuring the flexible silicone airline remains straight and clear of kinks.
- Open the pipeless water level adjustment output valve fully by rotating the control dial counter-clockwise before applying electrical power.
- Connect the skimmer pump cord into the digital controller port. Plug the power brick into a certified, GFCI-protected wall outlet.
- Set the digital controller to Speed 3 or 4 to start. Let the skimmer run open for a 7 to 10 day "break-in" phase to strip factory oils. Once settled, slowly use the digital speed adjustments and the pipeless dial to guide your foam line up into the neck.
Pro Tips:
- Start Your Controllable DC Pump at Lower Power Speeds to Stop Instant Overflows. Controllable 24V DC needlewheel pumps pack a massive amount of kinetic force compared to traditional AC-powered skimmer pumps. Firing up a brand-new, unbroken-in internal skimmer at full Speed 10 will almost always result in an immediate, aggressive eruption of bubbles that will instantly flood your collection cup. Start with your controller dialed down to Speed 2 or 3, and slowly scale up the power over a two-week period as the raw plastic surfaces break in.
- Do Not Adjust Your Gate Valve Rapidly; Wait 15 Minutes Between Micro-Turns. The fluid dynamics inside a 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.
- Clean the Air Intake Venturi Nipple Monthly to Stop Salt Creep Restrictions. If your skimmer continues to run smoothly but air bubble volume drops significantly or stops altogether, do not turn up the pump speed. Detach the silicone airline from the pump's air intake venturi nozzle and inspect the path. Evaporating saltwater splash creates an ideal environment for hard, crystallized salt creep to form right inside the small intake nipple. Flush the venturi fitting with a small splash of warm RO/DI water to dissolve the restriction instantly and restore peak air injection volume.