Red StarFish SQ-90 Ultra Quiet Protein Skimmer | Marine Aquarium
Red StarFish SQ-90 Protein Skimmer — Crystal-Clear Saltwater for Your Marine Aquarium
Keep your saltwater or reef aquarium in peak condition with the Red StarFish SQ-90 Protein Skimmer. Engineered with an advanced needle-wheel impeller and whisper-quiet motor, this compact nitrogen-removal device efficiently strips organic waste, dissolved proteins, and other impurities from your water column — before they have a chance to break down and affect water quality. The result? Consistently cleaner, clearer, healthier water for your corals, fish, and invertebrates.
Made in Mainland China.
Why Choose the SQ-90?
- Ultra-Quiet Operation: Designed to run almost silently, so your tank stays peaceful without disruptive noise.
- Needle-Wheel Impeller: The proven needle-wheel design maximizes air-to-water contact, producing a dense micro-bubble foam column for superior waste removal efficiency.
- Flexible Placement: Suitable for in-sump use or inside the aquarium itself — includes an adjustable bracket that fits standard aquarium frames for easy mounting.
- Quick-Lock Housing: Tool-free, snap-open design makes routine cleaning and maintenance fast and hassle-free.
- Compact Footprint: Slim profile is ideal for nano and mid-size saltwater or reef setups where space is at a premium.
Technical Specifications
| Model | SQ-90 |
| Pump Wattage | 15W |
| Voltage | 220V |
| Maximum Air Intake | 220 L/H |
| Reaction Chamber Diameter | 75 mm |
| Working Water Level | 200–220 mm |
| Suitable Tank Volume | 90–130 Litres |
| Fixed Form | Freestanding / Adjustable Bracket |
| Power Source | Corded Electric (no battery required) |
| Material | High-grade rubber & acrylic components |
| Country of Origin | Mainland China |
What's in the Box?
- 1 × Red StarFish SQ-90 Protein Skimmer unit
- 1 × Adjustable mounting bracket
- User guide
Ideal For
Marine reef tanks, FOWLR (fish-only with live rock) aquariums, and saltwater nano tanks between 90 and 130 litres. Perfect for hobbyists who want effective biological filtration without a bulky, noisy skimmer dominating their sump or display tank.
Learn More About Aquarium Water Quality
Maintaining excellent water quality is essential for thriving marine life. For guidance on responsible fishkeeping and aquatic ecosystems, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tank size is the Red StarFish SQ-90 Protein Skimmer suitable for?
A: The SQ-90 is rated for saltwater and marine aquariums holding between 90 and 130 litres (approximately 24–34 US gallons), making it ideal for nano reef tanks and mid-size marine setups.
Q: Can the SQ-90 protein skimmer be used inside the display tank or only in the sump?
A: Both options are supported. The skimmer can be placed freestanding in a sump or filtration compartment, or mounted inside the display aquarium using the included adjustable bracket, which fits most standard aquarium frames.
Q: How loud is the SQ-90 protein skimmer during operation?
A: The SQ-90 features an ultra-quiet motor specifically engineered to minimise operational noise, making it suitable for living rooms and bedrooms where tank noise would be disruptive.
Q: How do I clean the Red StarFish SQ-90 skimmer?
A: The skimmer uses a quick-lock housing design that allows you to open the unit without any tools. Simply twist and unlock the housing sections to access the reaction chamber and needle-wheel impeller for routine rinsing and maintenance.
Q: Is this protein skimmer compatible with freshwater aquariums?
A: No. The SQ-90 is specifically designed for saltwater and marine aquariums. Protein skimmers rely on the surface tension of saltwater to generate the foam column needed to remove organic waste, and they are not effective in freshwater systems.