IceCap K3-130 In-Sump Controllable Protein Skimmer
SKU: IC-K3-130INT
MSRP: $ 259,86
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Available Through Authorized Retailer
Controllable 24V DC Skimmer Pump: Powered by a low-voltage DC pinwheel pump featuring an external 10-speed digital keypad controller and an integrated 10-minute feed pause timer.
Master-Crafted Cone Body Architecture: Smoothly tapering cone profile minimizes turbulence within the reaction chamber, naturally channeling micro-bubbles into a stable foam head.
Integrated Float Switch Overfill Protection: Equipped with a built-in safety sensor in the collection lid that instantly cuts pump power if waste levels rise too high.
Space-Saving Internal Footprint: Keeps your sump space organized by mounting the controllable pump entirely within the lower base framework of the skimmer cavity.
Precision Pipeless Adjustments: Bypasses horizontal wedge pipes, utilizing an ultra-smooth internal dial mechanism to seamlessly dial in a dry or wet skim baseline.
Completely Modular Acrylic Construction: Formed from heavy-wall cell-cast acrylic that disassembles quickly without tools for hassle-free cleaning routines.
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Premium aquarium equipment without the premium price. Protein skimmers, pumps, reactors, heaters & more.
IceCap K3-130INT Controllable In-Sump Protein Skimmer (IC-K3-130INT)
The IceCap K3-130INT Protein Skimmer (SKU: IC-K3-130INT) is an authentic, laboratory-grade internal filtration system distributed by CoralVue to bring advanced organic nutrient export to mid-sized marine reef aquariums from 80 to 140 gallons. Mechanical filters like socks or roller mats excel at catching floating detritus, but 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 K3-130INT 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 blooms.
Constructed from heavy-duty cell-cast acrylic and thick polymer components, the K3-130INT features a refined, tapering cone body engineered to calm water turbulence inside the reaction column. At its performance core is a low-voltage, Controllable 24V DC 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. This gives you precise authority over the air-to-water ratio inside the chamber. 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 real estate 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.
Smart Anti-Overflow Safety Switch: Built-in collection cup lid sensor acts as a fail-safe, temporarily disabling the pump if the collector fills to capacity to prevent messy tank re-pollution.
Efficient Bubble Dispersant Plate: Internally diffuses high-velocity water movement at the base of the chamber, extending air-to-water contact time while keeping micro-bubbles out of your return sump.
Note: This retail box includes (1) K3-130INT skimmer assembly, (1) collection cup with built-in float sensor, (1) controllable 24V DC pump, (1) digital controller, an air intake silencer, and a flexible drain tube.
IceCap K3 Internal Series Bioload Sizing Profiles
What’s Included:
(1) IceCap K3-130INT Tapered Acrylic Skimmer Body Frame
(1) High-Capacity Collection Cup with Built-in Overfill Float Switch
(1) Low-Voltage Controllable 24V DC Needlewheel Skimmer Pump
(1) Digital 10-Speed Pump Control Module with Mounting Bracket
(1) Custom Air Intake Silencer with Flexible Silicone Airline Tubing
(1) Clear Flexible Collection Cup Waste Drain Hose line (8mm ID)
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap K3-130INT Protein Skimmer
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-K3-130INT
Primary Sump Application: In-Sump Marine Submersion Only
Reaction Chamber Base Diameter: 5.0 Inches
Total Base Footprint Dimensions: 8.3" x 6.5"
Total Operational Height: 19.7 Inches
Skimmer Pump Operational Voltage: 24V DC (Includes 120V AC Power Adapter)
Maximum Motor Power Consumption: 18 Watts Peak Draw
Recommended Sump Submersion Water Height: 6.5 to 8.0 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 all parts. Twist off the collection cup lid and verify the wiring clip leading to the float sensor pin sits firmly in place.
- 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 6.5 to 8.0 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 and float switch lead into their respective ports on the digital controller. Plug the 24V 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.
- Perform a Quick Check on the Float Switch Connection Pin If the Pump Drops Power. The smart float switch built into the K3-INT collection cup lid is designed to completely kill power to your DC pump the absolute second it detects a full cup, protecting your floor. However, if your skimmer pump ever suddenly goes completely dark while your cup is completely empty, do not assume the motor is dead. Unplug the controller, wipe down the metal connection pins on the cup lid with a dry cloth to clear dried salt creep, re-seat the wire clip, and restart.
- 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.