AquaticLife 115 Mini — Internal Protein Skimmer Nano Reef 30 Gallons Needle-Wheel 8W

The AquaticLife 115 Mini Internal is a compact protein skimmer designed for nano reef and all-in-one aquariums up to 30 gallons. At just 3 in. x 3-1/4 in. x 10-5/8 in. (76 x 83 x 270 mm), it mounts inside the aquarium or fits in most rear filtration compartments of nano tanks. Its 8-watt needle-wheel impeller pump delivers maximum air-to-water contact for effective removal of organic waste before it breaks down into nitrates and phosphates.

Official documentation (manufacturer PDF): Download the official AquaticLife 115 Mini Skimmer User Manual (PDF).

Key Features

• Ultra-compact format: just 3 in. x 3-1/4 in. x 10-5/8 in. - fits in most rear filtration compartments of all-in-one and nano aquariums.
• 8-watt needle-wheel pump: proven needle-wheel design for maximum air-to-water contact and energy efficiency.
• Adjustable flow: water flow is set with the turn of a knob to match foam production to the biological load.
• Quick-lock design: fast housing access for easy cup and impeller cleaning.
• Dual mounting: suction cups for internal aquarium mounting, or an adjustable bracket for standard aquarium frames.
• Low-noise operation: internal placement and compact design keep operation discreet thanks to water's natural sound damping.
• Built-in channel: conceals the grounded power cord for a clean install.

Technical Specifications

• Capacity: saltwater aquariums up to 30 gallons (115 liters).
• Product dimensions: 3 in. x 3-1/4 in. x 10-5/8 in. (76 x 83 x 270 mm).
• Dimensions with cup: 10-5/8 in. H x 3.25 in. W x 3.5 in. D.
• Pump power: 8 watts (needle-wheel impeller).
• Collection cup: 3.4 oz / 100 ml, clear plastic, 2 in. x 2 in. x 3 in.
• Cord length: 1.4 m / 4.5 ft (grounded).
• Minimum clearance above water line: 3-3/4 in. (95 mm) required.
• Mounting: suction cups + adjustable bracket included.
• AquaticLife item: 510114.
• UPC: 810957011147.

Installation

The AquaticLife 115 offers two mounting options. Use the included suction cups to secure it inside the aquarium or in a sump compartment. Alternatively, the adjustable mounting bracket attaches to the aquarium frame. The skimmer requires a minimum clearance of 3-3/4 in. above the water line to operate correctly. Adjust the water flow with the knob until a stable foam is produced in the collection cup. The built-in channel conceals the grounded power cord.

Compatibility with Popular Nano Aquariums

Thanks to its compact 3 in. x 3-1/4 in. x 10-5/8 in. format, the AquaticLife 115 fits in the rear filtration chamber of many popular all-in-one aquariums, including the BioCube 29, Fluval Evo, and Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion (check chamber dimensions before purchase). It suits any reef or fish-only aquarium up to 30 gallons that needs internal skimming.

Watch out for narrow chambers: on some aquariums with narrow rear chambers (Innovative Marine Fusion 10, Peninsula Nuvo 20), the skimmer will not fit. Verify the chamber is at least 3-1/4 in. wide x 3-1/2 in. deep x 11 in. tall.

Why Buy AquaticLife at ReefSolution

ReefSolution is a marine aquarium specialty store based in Laval, Quebec, shipping across Canada. To complete your nano reef setup:

• Reef Casa Tide 12 - 12-gallon super shallow reef aquarium compatible with this skimmer.
• Reef Casa Pico 6 Mark II - 6-gallon pico aquarium (rear chamber too narrow for this skimmer: consider an external HOB alternative).
• Aquamaxx Bullet 2 HOB Nano - Hang-On-Back skimmer alternative for aquariums without a suitable filtration chamber.
• Reef Casa Coral Curry - LPS and zoanthid coral food for the reef tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which popular aquariums accept the AquaticLife 115 Mini in their rear chamber?

The 3 in. x 3-1/4 in. x 10-5/8 in. format fits in the rear chambers of the BioCube 29, Fluval Evo (check model), Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion, and Reef Casa Tide 12. Always verify the target compartment's internal dimensions before buying - minimum chamber required: 3-1/4 in. wide x 3-1/2 in. deep x 11 in. tall.

How do I clean the AquaticLife 115 skimmer?

The quick-lock design lets you open the housing without tools. Remove the collection cup, rinse with fresh water, and clean the needle-wheel impeller with a soft brush. Weekly cleaning of the cup and monthly cleaning of the impeller is recommended to maintain performance.

Is a protein skimmer necessary for a nano reef aquarium?

A skimmer is not mandatory on a nano, but it significantly improves water quality by removing organic waste before it breaks down into nitrates and phosphates. For aquariums with a high biological load or SPS corals, a skimmer is strongly recommended.

Does the skimmer produce a lot of microbubbles in the aquarium?

Once the flow is adjusted correctly (progressive tuning with the knob), the skimmer does not release microbubbles into the tank. A 24 to 48-hour break-in period is needed for surface mucus to be removed and foam production to stabilize.

Can this skimmer be used in a sump?

Yes. The AquaticLife 115 works just as well in a sump chamber as in an all-in-one rear compartment. Sump placement has the added benefit of keeping any operating noise away from the main room.