Black Hole Skimmers
Aquarium Benefits
Jump to Benefit
Surface Skimming
Aquariums may look simple, but they’re bustling ecosystems. Every plant, fish, and even the invisible microorganisms are constantly eating, breathing, and producing waste. When the system stays in balance, the water stays clear and the aquarium becomes a joy to watch. That balance begins with three essentials: filtration, oxygen, and beneficial bacteria that transform harmful waste into safer compounds.
Plants and fish thrive together in balance. The skimmer circulates and aerates the water, plants use the oxygen and nutrients to grow, and fish benefit from both the plants and the skimmer.
Aeration & Circulation
This skimmer uses a venturi air tube on the pump output, with a sponge diffuser that releases a steady stream of bubbles for strong aeration. Even without the venturi, the skimmer provides reliable aeration while circulating water to spread oxygen throughout the tank. The sponge also helps soften strong pump flows.
The pump in this video uses a venturi tube connected directly to its output. Another way to boost aeration is by placing an airstone next to the skimmer, allowing it to pull in air and enhance circulation even further. Watch our YouTube video to see it in action, or learn more about using an airstone
Suction Mount
The suction mount secures the skimmer to the aquarium wall, where an 18mm hose can connect to the bottom connector on the stand. This connector works with any suction source. If the source is a submersible pump, it can be placed anywhere in the tank. Bottom placement is the quietest, since the water naturally insulates pump noise.
In this video, the hose connects to the bottom of the stand. The skimmer can be twisted off without disturbing either the stand or the connector. This allows a canister intake to be hooked up without adjustments, and also makes it easy to remove the skimmer for quick filter cleaning.
Dependable Self-Adjusting
Black Hole Skimmers are built with a self-adjusting head that rises and falls with the water level, automatically adapting to changing conditions. This design also allows the skimmer to handle a wide range of flow rates efficiently — from gentle circulation to strong currents — so it continues to skim effectively without constant adjustment.
With the skimmer running, the self-adjusting head stays at the perfect depth. When it’s turned off, the head rises above the surface, keeping collected debris securely inside.
Convenient Cleaning
Cleaning is quick and simple: twist the skimmer off the stand or powerhead, pop it open, and pull out the used media. Rinse or replace, reassemble, and twist it back on. The whole process takes just minutes, so you can clean often or swap media to handle different tank needs.
This video shows one of our YouTube demonstrations where we clean and replace the skimmer in under 2 minutes.
Guppy Guard
If your tank only has large fish, the GuppyGuard isn’t necessary. But for tanks with smaller inhabitants, the GuppyGuard helps keep them safely out of the skimmer. And for jumpers or climbers, an optional GuppyGuard Topper snaps onto the guard for added protection.
The original Black Hole Skimmer with the GuppyGuard and Topper allows fish to safely swim all around the skimmer.
Filter Media
The original Black Hole Skimmer has a 3 x 2.8 inch filter chamber, so you can use larger media and even layer it. Almost any type of media that fits the chamber can be added, and we include a template to help you cut economical sheets to the right size.
Think of it like a filter sandwich: coarse media on top to grab the big stuff, finer layers underneath to polish the water.
Larger pads last longer and work better than the small inserts included with competitor skimmers.
Mount on Powerhead
Black Hole Skimmers don’t include a built-in pump, but they can mount directly onto a powerhead. This direct connection makes them more efficient than other skimmers, and if the pump ever wears out or you want a different flow rate, simply swap in another powerhead. For multiple tanks, you can leave a powerhead in each one and move the skimmer between them with a quick twist.
A Black Hole Skimmer mounted directly on a powerhead, with a sponge diffuser on the pump’s output to soften water flow, keeping the tank calm and preventing debris from being stirred up.
Flow Rates
Black Hole Skimmers surface skimmers can handle a wide range of flow rates. In our tests, pumps from 110 to 295 GPH all performed well. As flow increases, the self-adjusting skimmer head lowers itself in the water to balance with the current. There are no knobs or valves to adjust—the skimmer does it automatically.
For testing, we used Maxi-Jet pumps from model 110 through 1200, and this video shows those results. We now provide a BHS 160 powerhead (optional).
Dependable
Customers have used Black Hole Skimmers for years without issues. Many have integrated them into existing filter systems, and some have even designed new systems around the skimmer. Because the skimmer is independent and doesn’t rely on a built-in pump, it lasts far longer than most skimmers on the market.
One customer even built a Black Hole Skimmer into their axolotl tank. Customers trust our products enough to integrate them into all kinds of setups - even cold plunge tanks!
Pipe Stand Mount
Mounting the Black Hole Skimmer on a pipe stand allows it to be placed anywhere in the tank. The stand works with existing circulation patterns from filters, outputs, and current generators, so you can position the skimmer where it best complements the flow. It can also be placed where it blends in or stays hidden among other structures.
In this video, an elbow couple is used so the pump can sit on the bottom of the tank. Each skimmer includes an elbow couple and a length of tubing for easy setup.