Mantis Tornado Protein Skimmer 180

Description

Mantis Tornado Protein Skimmer 180 — In-sump skimmer for mixed reef displays of 800 to 1500 litres

A mixed reef carrying a heavier fish load asks more of its protein skimmer than a coral-only tank the same size, and the Tornado 180 is built for that step up in demand. Mantis Tornado Protein Skimmer 180 (SKU: MA069102) sits in the middle of the Tornado in-sump range, specified for marine systems of 800 to 1500 litres and driven by a 35 W Mantis Tornado 2500 needle-wheel pump that moves air into the body at 1000 L/H.

At 250 by 190 mm at the base and 570 mm tall, the body is noticeably broader than the 120 and 150 below it, giving the larger air volume room to form a stable foam column rather than overflowing the neck. The reaction chamber still relies on the range’s turbulence-reducing inlet and bubble dispersant chamber to keep wet foam manageable and microbubbles out of the return. Like the rest of the range it is an in-sump unit only, built in solid PVC and acrylic, and the body comes apart completely for cleaning. A tank running close to 1500 L is better matched to the 200, which carries a larger pump again. The maker describes the Tornado range as quiet and efficient in operation, running here on a 35 W pump.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• Mixed reef and fish-heavy displays: Systems of 800 to 1500 L carrying more than a coral-only bioload.
• Tanks outgrowing the 150: A step up when foam production starts outpacing the collection cup.
• Daily feeding schedules: Frequent feeding that raises dissolved organic load between water changes.
• Sumps with room to spare: A wider 250 × 190 mm base than the two smaller sizes.

Installation & Setup Guide

• Seat the body: Stand the skimmer level in the sump’s dedicated skimmer section.
• Tune the water level: Adjust sump depth until the foam builds steadily without flooding the collection cup.
• Watch the first week: Let the bubble column and foam colour settle in before judging output.
• Pull apart to service: Disassemble fully to flush salt from the pump housing and riser.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• 35 W Tornado 2500 pump: 1000 L/H air intake for mixed reef and fish-heavy systems.
• Wider 250 × 190 mm base: More room for the foam column than the smaller sizes.
• 570 mm body: Sized for 800 to 1500 L aquariums.
• Bubble dispersant chamber: Limits microbubble return to the sump.
• Fully serviceable: Complete disassembly for pump and riser cleaning.

Product Details

• Brand: Mantis
• SKU: MA069102
• Product Type: Filters > In-Sump Protein Skimmer
• Pump: 35 W Mantis Tornado 2500, needle-wheel
• Air Intake: 1000 L/H
• Dimensions: About 250 × 190 mm base, 570 mm tall
• Suitable Aquarium Size: 800–1500 L
• Installation: In-sump only
• Material: Solid PVC and acrylic construction
• Other Sizes: Tornado 120 (MA069100), 150 (MA069101), 200 (MA069103), 300 (MA069104), 500 (MA069105), 800 (MA069106)
• Target Environment: Marine and reef aquariums