Aquaforest All-In Skim 4in1 Filtration System | BRStv Product Spotlight
Aquaforest has created one of the most ambitious protein skimmers we have seen to date. The All-In Skim is designed to do much more than remove organics from your reef aquarium. It combines reliable protein skimming with recirculating CO2 scrubbing, odor management, supplemental biological filtration, and ozone compatibility in one compact package.
Built for Reef Systems Big and Small
The All-In Skim is rated by Aquaforest for lightly stocked reef aquariums up to 198 gallons and heavily stocked reef aquariums up to 80 gallons. It is powered by a Reef Flow 2300 DC controllable pump rated at roughly 600 gallons per hour, with a dual Venturi design allowing for up to 620 liters per hour of air injection.
Recommended Tank Size
- Heavy Bioload: up to 80 gal (300 L)
- Medium Bioload: up to 130 gal (500 L)
- Light Bioload: up to 198 gal (750 L)
It also has a sump-friendly footprint. With a recommended operating depth of 7.25 inches and a compact 7.3 x 7.2 inch footprint, the All-In Skim is built to make the most of limited skimmer chamber space.
Protein Skimming with Flexible Control
At its core, the All-In Skim is a capable protein skimmer. The dual Venturi setup and Reef Flow 2300 pump can create a thick foam for both wet and dry skimming, helping remove dissolved organics before they break down in your reef aquarium.
Dialing in the skimmer is flexible thanks to three points of control. The gate valve lets you adjust the water height inside the skimmer body for wetter or drier skimming. Aquaforest also includes a graduated external tube, which allows you to view the internal water level without bubbles getting in the way.
You can also adjust the Venturi valves to reduce air intake, while the DC pump itself can be dialed down to reduce both water and air flow. Together, these controls make it easier to find a stable foam level that matches the organic load in your reef system.
Built-In Overflow Protection
Aquaforest includes a float switch that can be placed inside the collection cup to automatically shut off the skimmer if the cup gets too full. This is also helpful if something added to the aquarium causes the skimmer to go into overdrive.
Either way, the float switch can help prevent unwanted messes and keep skimmate from overflowing back into your sump.
Supplemental Biological Filtration
Inside the skimmer body, what may first look like a diffuser above the pump is actually a container for biomedia. It is perforated on the top and bottom to allow water flow, while the PVC fittings from the pump outlet run directly through it.
This design pulls oxygen-rich water up through the biomedia, creating a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria. Aquaforest also includes a 400 ml bag of Life Bio Fil, a biologically active biomedia pre-seeded with nitrifying bacteria to help break down ammonia and nitrite.
While most reefers probably will not use the All-In Skim as their primary biological filter, having extra biomedia in a high-flow, oxygen-rich area is never a bad thing.
Recirculating CO2 Scrubbing for pH Support
Rather than using traditional air silencers on the dual Venturi lines, Aquaforest uses that space for two recirculating CO2 scrubbers. These do a great job quieting the skimmer while also helping reduce CO2 entering the system.
Together, the scrubbers hold about 800 ml of CO2 scrubbing media, which can provide a helpful pH boost. For reef aquariums, maintaining pH above the 8.0 range can support more effective coral skeleton growth.
The recirculating design is especially useful because it draws air from inside the skimmer body. This can extend the usable lifespan of the CO2 media compared to a traditional open-air setup, helping you get more out of each refill.
Aquaforest also includes multiple mounting positions around the skimmer collar, so you can place each scrubber where it makes the most sense for your sump layout.
Odor Management with Activated Carbon
Aquaforest also tackles one of the less glamorous parts of protein skimming: smell.
The top of the skimmer cup includes a container that holds 400 ml of carbon. This allows odors and airborne impurities to be absorbed before they escape from the skimmer cup. That means you can have a cup full of skimmate without having to smell it every time you open the cabinet.
Ozone Compatibility
The All-In Skim is also ozone compatible. The second CO2 scrubber includes a port ready for an ozone generator, and the carbon container on top of the skimmer cup helps prevent ozone from escaping the skimmer.
It is a thoughtful addition that highlights how well-planned this skimmer really is.
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