AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer

Updated August 12, 2019
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
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The Aquac Remora Protein Skimmer is a unit that is designed to hang on the back of the tank (HOT) or sump. The Remora protein skimmer has a patented spray injector system which is supposed to mix greater amounts of air and water than venturi style skimmers. All models come with a necessary pump (power head) to drive the water flow into the skimmer. We have heard many glowing reports about this skimmer and were anxious to get our hands on one.

Set up for the AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer is very easy. Thoroughly rinse out the inside of the skimmer and collection cup with fresh water and then connect your pump to the intake tube attached to the skimmer. Tighten the clamps to secure the pump to the intake tubes, attach the skimmer to the back of your tank, adjust the screws on the bottom of the skimmer to make it level and you are ready to skim!

Picture of the black AquaC Remora

The first few days of running the AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer had us worried because we weren't seeing anything in the collection cup. However, the manufacturer warns that it may take a week or two to "break in" this skimmer. After the skimmer runs for a week or two the noise it produces should also decrease. On the fourth day we did notice a small amount of the dirty brown tea colored water accumulating in the collection cup. No big deal, other skimmers easily produce this amount of gunk in shorter time periods.

The next week of operation pleasantly surprised us. During the second week of operation the AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer really "kicked in" and started producing the largest amount of foam and dirty brown water we've seen from a hang on the tank protein skimmer. It collected at least twice the amount of gunk than the red sea prizm protein skimmer was collecting in a one week time period. This skimmer lived up to its reputation and does a fantastic job!

You can regulate the amount and type of foam being produced by sliding the o-ring on the collection cup up or down. The lower you keep the collection cup the more gunk can be pulled from the water. If you're pulling in too much water into the collection cup, try raising the o-ring on the collection cup.

There are two types of hang on the tank (HOT) styles of the Remora protein skimmer to choose from:

Style 1: AquaC Remora Model

The regular model is rated for tanks from 20 - 75 gallons with a water flow rate of 85 gph. These can usually be found anywhere from $150 USD to $170 USD. On the back of your tank you need an opening 5.5" by 2" in order to hang it.

Style 2: AquaC Remora PRO Model

The PRO model is rated for tanks from 40 - 120 gallons with a water flow rate of 110 gph. These can usually be found anywhere from $200 USD to $220 USD. On the back of your tank you need an opening 6.75" by 2" in order to hang it.

AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer Accessories

Both models have an optional surface prefilter that is designed to hide the pump and supposed to increase skimmer efficiency by 20% and reduce the amount of micro bubbles entering your tank. We didn't use our Remora with the prefilter box so we can't comment on the effectiveness of this optional accessory. They also can come with an optional drain fitting if needed.

Skimmer Positives

Slim profile and designed to hank on the back of the tank
You can regulate the amount and type of foam collected by adjusting the o-ring on the collection cup.
Easy access to the large collection cup for cleaning
Efficiently removes proteins from the tank water, probably the best HOB skimmer on the market that we know of.
Large adjustable collection cup has been designed not to overflow onto the floor. If the collection cup fills up while you're away, it will overflow back into the skimmer.
The unit's black color prevents algae from growing inside skimmer, which should result in less maintenance. The collection cup is clear and see-through so you can easily see when to clean it.
Easy access to the injector screw type plug and it comes with a brush that you use to clean the injector. Unscrew the plug, clean the injector with the brush and screw the plug back in.

Skimmer Negatives

The first negative that we could think of would be the noise factor. It is not all that noisy, but it is noticeable in a quiet house and may bother some people. Very comparable to most HOT skimmers.
One of the most expensive HOB (hang on back) protein skimmers.
power head has to be in the tank to pull in water into the skimmer. A good reason to use it in a sump or get the pre-filter optional accessory to hide it.
Avoid getting this skimmer with the RIO power head since many people have had problems with them. Upgrade to the Maxi-jet or the Mag-Drive power head.

Picture of the dirty collection cup
Aquac Remora Skimmer Collection Cup

Overall, we couldn't be happier with this protein skimmer. It is durable, fairly inexpensive, easy to maintain and gets the job done. We give it 5 stars

Rating Information

Review Title: AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer
Reviewed by: Mike FishLore
Summary: Hang On Tank Protein Skimmer
Description: The Aquac Remora Protein Skimmer is a unit that is designed to hang on the back of the tank (HOT) or sump.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Protein Skimmer Comments

From: Kelsea
This protein skimmer is so easy to use! All you do is plug it in and with the other skimmers you have to adjust the air flow, which is somewhat of a pain. This skimmer is worth paying the extra money.

From: Jennifer
I now have two remora protein skimmers on two different aquariums. I had been through 2 different brands before getting my remoras and have not had to get another skimmer since. These really are work horses and worth the price. I've been in the saltwater hobby for about 3 years now and love it! Tank number 3 is right around the corner and it'll probably have an aquac on it.

From: mm9999
I have two remora pro skimmers and two remora nano skimmers. Every other skimmer I have tried resulted in water on the floor when the collection cup would overflow. I have had very little overflow with these. By adjusting the O ring, you can generally eliminate any overflow. I do not recommend the nano, it produces only minimum skim. I use the mag pump on the pros and I would caution that you need to ensure that it is tightly connected (I use water clamps) because if it isn't tightly secured, you may end up with a lot of water on the floor.

Thanks for the tips on the aquac. I agree about using the nano aquac skimmer. For just a few dollars more you could upgrade to aquac remora. Maybe if space was at a premium behind the tank I suppose...

From: Diggity
I agree with everyone else. I went through a different brand first and had no luck getting it going on a 55 gallon bowfront. Fell upon a Remora as my second pick and haven't looked back since. Lost the tank in a fire and accumalated another tank with a sump hook up. I was on the hunt for a Remora sump skimmer. Found one on craigslist. I love them. Have a nano tank now... guess what kinda skimmer I'm looking for? The maintenance is so easy on these and I'll never use another brand. They're worth every penny. Any one selling the nano Remora?