The Eshopps PSK-100H HOB is a reliable hang-on-back protein skimmer. Eshopps is a lesser-known, but trustworthy brand in the reefing hobby. You can hear the brand being discussed on many reefing forums. We have only 1 model of the PSK-100H in our lab, and it’s powering a simple shrimp and goby tank. Nothing special. We decided to go with an HOB protein skimmer rather than a recirculating or in-tank skimmer because we’re using the PSK-100H in a smaller tank- a simple 30 gallon tank. The PSK-100H performs more than well in our 30, since it’s rated for up to 100 gallons of volume in US metrics.
If you’re in the market for an HOB protein skimmer, I’d say the PSK-100H is comparable to the Reef Octopus 100-HOB skimmer. They’re both similar in tank volume and performance, the only difference is the branding and price. Generally, Eshopps run a little more expensive than Reef Octopus, but it’s not always the case. I’d recommend doing research on both models before making your decision.
Let’s get on with the review…
First, here’s a simple table to highlight some of the features and specs of the Eshopps HOB skimmer:
| Skimmer Image | Pros | Cons | Volume | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Easy to set up Efficient workhorse Trusted brand Needle-wheel impeller Excellent customer service Quiet pump | No tuning instructions Acrylic construction | 75-100 Gallons | View |
I’d also recommend you to take a look at the skimmer on amazon before you read this review, so you have an idea of what I’m talking about as we go through this review- take a quick look now.
Eshopps HOB PSK-100H – First Impressions
The Eshopps HOB has a blue and black design, with a nice contrast of coloration, though this isn’t something I’d want to really show off in my tank. The Reef Octopus 100-HOB has a sleeker coloration in my opinion. The skimmer is has your basic components- the reaction body, intake, output, pump, needle-wheel impeller (nice bonus), and collection cup. The skimmer has the piping on both sides, which really stands out compared to other skimmers, though this does make the profile larger. The skimmer has a very tall profile, with a long reaction chamber. I think this is what causes the skimmer to start producing skimmate immediately. A tall reaction chamber will allow plenty of bubble and waste fusion. A larger reaction body means there is a bigger tube for bubbles and the waste from your reef tank to mix, which is where the skimmate begins to produce. A bigger chamber in your protein skimmer means more efficiency and effectiveness. The Eshopps HOB is no exception. It’s highly efficient.
Eshopps HOB PSK-100H – Skimmer Design
The Eshopps HOB skimmer has a tall body with large piping on both sides which adds to the overall footprint. It’s not exactly small either. It needs about 6” of space, minimum. It hangs from your sump or main display tank, and you’ll need to make sure you have space behind your tank to fit the large profile. Compared to the Reef Octopus 100-HOB, this is space-intensive. Other than that, the skimmer uses a needle-wheel design, which is pretty much the standard now and is used in many leading skimmers. Needle-mesh and needle-wheel are known to be some of the highest-performing and best protein skimmer designs in the industry. Check out our homepage to learn about why you need a protein skimmer. The body of the skimmer is larger compared to other HOB skimmers I’ve used, that’s about the only complaint I have about the Eshopps HOB.
Eshopps HOB Protein Skimmer Performance
The Eshopps has a traditional well-recevied performance in the community. Eshopps is a recognized, though unpopular brand for some reason. In the lab, the Eshopps performs just as well as the AquaMaxx HOB and Reef Octopus HOB protein skimmers. The Eshopps HOB has a very quiet performance with the new SICCE Italian pumps, but you can definitely notice (or lack notice) of a super-quiet pump. It’s not silent, but it’s quiet. Let’s just say the 30 gallon tank we use the Eshopps on is basically silent compared to other tanks that use recirculating or in-tank protein skimmers. The skimmer needs to be primed or else it’ll probably overflow. You need to adjust the water level to get it at the proper level so it’ll skim right.
Eshopps PSK-100H Noise Level
As mentioned above, it’s completely quiet, but not silent. The new SICCE Italian pumps used in the 100H are much quieter than the previous pumps. You’ll appreciate the noise level compared to recirculating skimmers. The Eshopps line of skimmers is definitely some of the most quiet protein skimmers I’ve reviewed. The aquarium communities online also seem to appreciate the low noise level Eshopps skimmers produce.
Eshopps PSK-100H Skimmer Setup
Setting up the Eshopps HOB is easy. It includes a manual with easy to follow instructions and diagrams. If you’re experienced with skimmers, this will be a cakewalk. If you’re new to skimmers, there are plenty of resources online if you can’t get your Eshopps running. Troubleshooting guides are readily available in forums and on YouTube. I used this video myself to set it up, although I already have plenty of knowledge on skimmer setup:
I just wanted to do it right instead of troubleshooting my protein skimmer. Setting it up and then figuring why your skimmer isn’t skimming, or isn’t producing any skimmate is frustrating.
Fine-tuning the skimmer is a problem. If you don’t get it right, you’ll need to play with the water level. There are no instructions included with the box, so you’ll need to find out how to fix your skimmer issues online, or by contacting their support line. Thankfully, customer support seems to be rapid, unlike Reef Octopus.
Eshopps PSK-100H Break-In Period
There is definitely a break-in period with the Eshopps 100H HOB. It took about half a week for mine to start skimming since setup, and I’ve read reports of it being almost immediate. It depends on your setup. If your Eshopps is new, it’ll have a break-in period and you need to monitor it and adjust accordingly. You’ll need to play around with your skimmer and water level to make it work. There is no one way to make it work. It’s dependent on your tank, so you’ll have to play with it to get it to work with your tank, and it may be frustrating. However, once you get it, your Eshopps will start producing skimmate efficiently.
Should you buy an Eshopps HOB PSK-100H Protein Skimmer?
The Eshopps is a decent skimmer for the price, and I’d recommend it to moderate users. The learning curve is a little higher to get it to skim properly, and the profile is large. If you want something that works right away and you’re new to protein skimmers, I’d suggest the AquaMaxx HOB or Reef Octopus 100-HOB. The Eshopps fits somewhere between the two, as it’s large, but works efficiently. All 3 HOB skimmers are excellent for what they do, it’s just down to the finer points, such as if you want to fiddle with setting it up and your tank size. Overall, if your tank fits within the volume range and you’re handy with skimmers, I’d say go for it. But only after checking out the AquaMaxx and Reef Octopus HOB protein skimmers. Those skimmers are more user-friendly, but do have their own set of cons as well. It really depends on what you’re looking for in the best protein skimmer for your tank. Please, you’ll need to do your homework to choose it, and that’s why I’m here to help out reefers with some information I’ve gathered!
Check out the Eshopps PSK-100 on amazon.
Or see all the HOB protein skimmers I’ve reviewed.