IceCap K1 Nano Protein Skimmer
SKU: IC-K1-NN
MSRP: $ 98,16
-
Available Through Authorized Retailer
- Engineered for Nano & AIO Tanks: Ultra-compact form factor slips easily into the rear filtration chambers of popular All-In-One aquariums and nano sumps.
- Dual Mounting Versatility: Ships with both a strong magnetic mount and an adjustable cell-cast acrylic bracket to accommodate varying water levels and glass thicknesses.
- Energy-Efficient DCAIR-200 Pump: Driven by a super-efficient 5W low-voltage DC needlewheel pump drawing 200 liters per hour (200LPH) of air volume.
- Pipeless Micro-Gate Valve: Provides highly sensitive, precise water level tuning within the skimmer body without requiring space-consuming external plumbing pipes.
- Integrated Bubble Dispersant Plate: Features a vibrant orange diffuser plate that evenly distributes micro-bubbles to maximize organic contact time while eliminating bubble escape.
- Fully Strippable Modular Breakdown: The entire acrylic assembly disassembles completely without tools, allowing for effortless routine maintenance and deep cleaning.
IceCap
Premium aquarium equipment without the premium price. Protein skimmers, pumps, reactors, heaters & more.
IceCap K1 Nano In-Sump Protein Skimmer (IC-K1-NANO)
The IceCap K1 Nano Protein Skimmer (SKU: IC-K1-NANO) is an authentic, laboratory-grade marine filtration assembly distributed by CoralVue to deliver efficient organic waste extraction to small-scale marine nano reefs and All-In-One (AIO) systems from 10 to 30 gallons. While mechanical filtration elements like filter socks or sponges can only intercept solid particulates, dissolved proteins from fish food and metabolic waste remain suspended in the water column. Left unchecked, these organics break down directly into harmful nitrate and phosphate. The K1 Nano serves as your primary water purification defense, utilizing high-density air injection to physically bind, trap, and extract these dissolved organic compounds out of your ecosystem before they can fuel nuisance algae blooms or stress delicate corals.
Constructed from heavy-duty cell-cast acrylic and robust marine-grade polymer components, the K1 Nano features a minimal footprint designed to fit where standard skimmers cannot. At its performance core is the low-voltage IceCap DCAIR-200 DC Pinwheel Pump. This micro-driver draws air through an integrated silencing intake and shears it against a specialized needlewheel impeller, creating a dense cloud of micro-bubbles within the reaction chamber while consuming a mere 5 watts of power. To ensure problem-free operation inside tight rear chambers, the K1 Nano features an intuitive pipeless output dial for splash-free underwater discharge and a powerful dual-clamping magnet system to lock the unit securely in place against your aquarium panels.
Key Features
Pulls Concentrated Organic Sludge: Extracts dark, thick skim-mate out of the water column, lowering overall biological oxygen demand and drastically improving clarity.
Dead-Silent Air Intake Silencer: Features a custom-molded intake muffler that deadens air-suction noise, ensuring whisper-quiet operation inside home or office spaces.
Non-Conductive, Marine-Safe Build: Built entirely from reef-safe materials with zero exposed metals, guaranteeing no toxic leaching inside sensitive coral environments.
(Note: This retail box includes (1) K1 Nano skimmer body, (1) collection cup with lid, (1) integrated DCAIR-200 DC pump, an inline air silencer, an adjustable hanging bracket, and a magnetic mounting pad set).
IceCap K1 Series Sizing Profile Matrix
| Skimmer Model | SKU Reference | Heavy Bioload Limit | Medium Bioload Limit | Light Bioload Limit | Core Pump Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IceCap K1 Nano | IC-K1-NANO | 10 Gallons | 20 Gallons | 30 Gallons | DCAIR-200 DC (5W) |
| IceCap K1-50 | IC-K1-50 | 40 Gallons | 60 Gallons | 80 Gallons | DCAIR-700 DC (6W) |
| IceCap K1-100 | IC-K1-100 | 40 Gallons | 60 Gallons | 80 Gallons | EVair 400 AC (8W) |
| IceCap K1-130 | IC-K1-130 | 80 Gallons | 100 Gallons | 140 Gallons | EVair 400 AC (8W) |
| IceCap K1-200 | IC-K1-200 | 150 Gallons | 225 Gallons | 300 Gallons | EVair 900 AC (36W) |
What’s Included:
(1) IceCap K1 Nano Acrylic Skimmer Body with Integrated Micro-Gate
(1) High-Capacity Removable Collection Cup
(1) IceCap DCAIR-200 Low-Voltage DC Pinwheel Skimmer Pump
(1) Air Intake Silencer Module with Flexible Airline Tubing
(1) Heavy-Duty Magnetic Mounting Clamping Pad Set
(1) Adjustable Cell-Cast Acrylic Rim-Hanging Bracket
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap K1 Nano Protein Skimmer
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-K1-NANO
Primary Sump Application: Internal Submersion Only (Nano Sumps or AIO Rear Chambers)
Total Base Footprint Dimensions: 2.75" x 3.25"
Total Operational Height: 13.0 Inches
Skimmer Pump Model Type: DCAIR-200 DC Needlewheel Motor
Maximum Motor Power Consumption: 5 Watts
Volumetric Air Induction Draw: 200 Liters Per Hour
Recommended Submersion Water Height: 6.0 to 9.0 Inches
Maximum Glass Magnet Clamping Thickness: Up to 1/2-Inch (1/2in / 12mm)
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 your K1 Nano assembly and verify all parts. Remove the collection cup and verify that the orange internal bubble plate and needlewheel pump housing are seated squarely.
- Slide the skimmer vertically into your designated nano sump area or into the primary mechanical filtration chamber of your AIO aquarium rear layout.
- Secure the unit at your desired depth using the included magnetic backing block or adjust the thumb screws on the rim-hanging bracket assembly. Position the unit so it is submerged in 6 to 9 inches of water.
- Mount the air silencer clip high above your high water baseline, making sure that the soft vinyl airline stays completely straight and clear of kinks.
- Turn the pipeless water adjustment dial counter-clockwise to open the water discharge gate fully before applying electrical power.
- Connect the DCAIR-200 pump lead to its power adapter and plug it into a certified, GFCI-protected outlet. Let the unit run wide open for a 3 to 7 day "break-in" phase to strip manufacturing oils, then slowly turn the dial clockwise to raise the foam line up into the collection neck.
Pro Tips:
- Make Micro-Adjustments and Wait 20 Minutes to Prevent Instant Over-Foaming. Because nano reef water volumes are highly sensitive to surface tension changes, rapid adjustments to the skimmer's pipeless gate valve will cause the internal air-water boundary layer to turn chaotic. When adjusting your foam line, make micro-turns of only a few millimeters along the dial edge at a time. Wait at least 20 minutes for the internal foam column to settle before making another turn; adjusting too quickly leads to sudden collection cup flooding.
- Keep Your Airline Venturi Completely Clear of Salt Creep Blockages. If the skimmer pump continues to run smoothly but air bubble production drops significantly or stops altogether, do not close the gate valve. Remove the vinyl airline from the pump's air intake venturi nozzle and inspect it for obstructions. Evaporating saltwater splash can cause 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 scale instantly and restore full air injection volume.
- Wipe Down the Interior Collection Neck Weekly to Maintain Peak Waste Extraction. As the micro-bubbles push organic waste upward, a thick layer of sticky fats, proteins, and biological grease will naturally coat the interior walls of the skimmer neck. If left uncleaned, this slime layer acts as a structural barrier that prematurely bursts ascending bubbles before they can spill over into the collection well, dropping the skimmer's efficiency by half. Take 60 seconds once a week to pull the cup and wipe the interior neck clean with a soft sponge and warm fresh water.