Engineered for compact reef sumps, the ETSS SumpBuddy 40 Protein Skimmer delivers high-efficiency DownDraft foam filtration in a small footprint. Developed for AquaVim’s luxurious aquariums by renowned marine project engineer Gary Loehr, it brings robust skimming performance to smaller systems without crowding your sump.

• DownDraft technology: ETSS’s patented DownDraft design generates dense foam efficiently in a compact tower, with the goose neck aided by bio balls to help chop water into foam for effective protein removal.
• Compact footprint with scalable capacity: A small unit that still supports meaningful filtration—up to 300 gallons reef with AquaVim EcoSmart Sump, or up to 230 gallons reef tank with other brands’ wet-dry filters. For larger tanks, using two SumpBuddy 40 skimmers increases capacity and efficiency while occupying less space than a single larger model.
• Precise flow and water-level control: Adjust water flow with the slide gate on the black box, and keep the water level within 2 inches of the top of the square box. If the level drifts, fine-tune with the ball valve or slide gate to maintain optimal foam production.
• Waste management and overflow prevention: The large waste cup features a vented elbow you can connect to an external waste container with a flexible hose to prevent backflow. You can cap or remove the cup for manual emptying as needed.
• Easy setup and maintenance: Installation is straightforward—connect the pump (or a T outlet from the main pump) via a flexible hose to the skimmer inlet, place bio balls in the goose neck, and follow the simple level adjustments. With correct setup, the skimmer can run for months without frequent resets; typical cup filling takes 3–7 days and is adjustable by tuning flow and level.
• Designer collaboration and reliability: Developed specifically for AquaVim’s premium aquariums by Gary Loehr, leveraging ETSS’s durable build and proven DownDraft filtration to deliver consistent, long-term reef filtration.

The SumpBuddy 40 Protein Skimmer helps your reef thrive by delivering stable, efficient protein removal in tight sump spaces. Its compact design and tunable flow make it well-suited for AquaVim EcoSmart Sump systems, while the option to run two units provides a practical path to upgrade filtration for larger tanks without sacrificing floor space. Once dialed in, it offers dependable, low-maintenance operation that supports healthier corals, clearer water, and a more predictable maintenance routine.