AquaMaxx HOB 1.5 - A Superior Hang-On Protein Skimmer, No Sump Required
No sump? No problem! The AquaMaxx HOB 1.5 is purpose-built for saltwater aquariums that don't have a sump yet still need the filtration power of a high-performance protein skimmer. It is one of the best-performing hang-on skimmers available and is easily the best-selling skimmer in the entire Aquamaxx lineup.
Hang-on skimmers, in general, have always been somewhat limited but prove to be extremely valuable. While most hobbyists take advantage of a sump system and traditional internal skimmer, there still are plenty of tank owners who value simplicity and opt-out of a complicated sump. That means they must rely on hang-on style gear to filter the aquarium and the selection of hang-on skimmers has never been impressive. There isn't a huge selection to choose from in the first place and only a handful of those are worthwhile. This is exactly why the HOB 1.5 skimmers are so highly regarded by aquarists - they are a reliable hang-on skimmer that doesn't put up a fuss.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: L 7.5 x W 3.5 x H 17 Inch
- Pump: AquaMaxx SHARK 1.0 (modified and upgraded Italian Sicce pump)
- Pump power consumption: 11 Watts
- Outlet size: 3/4 Inch
- Minimum tank height 10-7/8"
- Filtration Rating: up to 75 Gallons (light bioload) or 40 Gallons (heavy bioload)
- Requires approximately 4" of clearance to remove collection cup.
- Suitable for aquarium rims up to 3/4" thick.
There are a few features that really make the HOB 1.5 an exceptional skimmer and most of this revolves around the skimmer's design and performance. The quiet Sicce brand pump is modified with a needle wheel impeller and unique bubble diffuser to produce a thick foam that gently fills the entirety of the skimmers reaction chamber. That diffused foam is what allows the skimmer to effectively remove nutrients within the small skimmer body. The pump is also located inside the skimmer body itself so you don't have to worry about mounting a pump directly in your display. There is no need for any air valve adjustments, simply slide the collection cup up or down to negotiate the rate of skim.
The collection cup is super easy to adjust, remove, and clean so you won't be making a mess and spilling water with everyday maintenance. Being a hang-on skimmer, cup overflows can be exceptionally troublesome so the drain port on the cup is a clever feature that will prevent the skimmer from overflowing water onto the floor in the event the cup fills up.
There is an optional bubble-diffusor accessory too that comes in nice for AIO-style aquariums because it will eliminate any bubbles but also quiet down the water noise as the water returns back into the display. Right out of the box it is very easy to assemble and can be put together and primed in a matter of minutes.
