Mantis Tornado Protein Skimmer 120

Description

Mantis Tornado Protein Skimmer 120 — Compact in-sump skimmer for reef tanks of 300 to 600 litres

Dissolved organics build up fastest in a tank that has just been stocked, and a skimmer with a small footprint still needs to pull its weight in a crowded sump. Mantis Tornado Protein Skimmer 120 (SKU: MA069100) is the smallest model in the Tornado range, an in-sump protein skimmer built in solid PVC and acrylic for reef and marine aquariums of 300 to 600 litres. It is driven by a 12 W Mantis DC Pump 1000, a needle-wheel pump that draws air into the body at 400 L/H to create the fine bubble column the skimmer relies on to strip proteins and dissolved organics from the water column before they break down into nitrate and phosphate.

The body measures about 135 by 160 mm at the base and stands 500 mm tall, a footprint the maker keeps deliberately small given the air-handling capacity on offer. Water enters through a turbulence-reducing design that settles flow before it reaches the reaction chamber, and a bubble dispersant chamber above the collection cup breaks up foam so fewer microbubbles return to the sump. The 120 is built for in-sump use only, not external plumbing, and the whole body comes apart for cleaning the pump, the riser and the collection cup. Larger reef tanks that outgrow the 120 move up to the Tornado 150, which runs a larger pump on the same body principle.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• Nano and small reef tanks: Systems holding 300 to 600 L of total water volume, sump included.
• New or recently stocked tanks: Extra protein export while the biofilter and corals settle in.
• Space-limited sumps: A small base footprint for sumps where room around the skimmer section is tight.
• Everyday nutrient control: Routine skimming alongside water changes and mechanical filtration.

Installation & Setup Guide

• Fit in the sump: Stand the skimmer in the dedicated sump section, levelled on the sump floor.
• Set the water level: Adjust the sump level so the body sits at the depth recommended for a stable bubble column.
• Run in the pump: Switch on the DC Pump 1000 and let the foam head build over the first day or two.
• Clean on a schedule: Empty the collection cup regularly and strip the body down periodically to clear the pump and riser.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• 12 W DC Pump 1000: Needle-wheel air draw of 400 L/H for a fine, consistent bubble column.
• Small footprint: About 135 × 160 mm at the base for sumps with limited skimmer space.
• Bubble dispersant chamber: Breaks up foam above the collection cup to cut microbubble return.
• Turbulence-reducing body: Settles incoming flow before the reaction chamber.
• Fully strippable: The body disassembles completely for cleaning and pump maintenance.

Product Details

• Brand: Mantis
• SKU: MA069100
• Product Type: Filters > In-Sump Protein Skimmer
• Pump: 12 W Mantis DC Pump 1000, needle-wheel
• Air Intake: 400 L/H
• Dimensions: About 135 × 160 mm base, 500 mm tall
• Suitable Aquarium Size: 300–600 L
• Installation: In-sump only
• Material: Solid PVC and acrylic construction
• Other Sizes: Tornado 150 (MA069101), 180 (MA069102), 200 (MA069103), 300 (MA069104), 500 (MA069105), 800 (MA069106)
• Target Environment: Marine and reef aquariums