SETZ D SKIM DC vs BLUSKIMMER: Which Skimmer Fits?
By Ferplast U.K. | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Comparisons
Compare the SETZ D SKIM DC and BLUSKIMMER on pump design, placement and power-cut behavior to choose the right protein skimmer for your saltwater setup.
Quick answer
Choose the SETZ D SKIM DC if you want an electronically controlled DC pump with a needle impeller and blackout delay for a sump-based setup; choose the BLUSKIMMER if you need a compact skimmer that fits a dedicated compartment in a Cayman, Dubai or large Star glass tank.
Pump design and what it means for skimming
The SETZ D SKIM DC uses an electronically controlled pump with a needle impeller designed by Hydor, which the catalog describes as mixing large quantities of water and air. That design targets consistent foam production in a sump skimmer. The BLUSKIMMER uses a submersible built-in pump with a brush impeller and includes a silencer with sucker, an air flow regulator and a silicon pipe. The brush impeller and air flow regulator give you a way to tune air intake, while the silencer addresses noise. Neither catalog entry states a tank-size rating or a skimmed water volume, so match either skimmer to your system using the manufacturer’s own tank guidance rather than assuming a capacity from these descriptions.
Placement: sump versus compartment
The BLUSKIMMER is explicitly described as compact and designed to sit inside the appropriate compartment on the aquarium cover, suitable for Cayman or Dubai aquariums and large Star glass tanks. That makes it a fit-driven choice: if your tank has that compartment, the BLUSKIMMER is the one that belongs there. The SETZ D SKIM DC description focuses on sump use, including behavior when the water level in the sump rises. If your filtration runs in a sump, the SETZ D SKIM DC matches that layout; if your tank relies on a cover compartment, the BLUSKIMMER is the practical option.
Blackout behavior and the DC trade-off
In a blackout, the SETZ D SKIM DC’s electronic controller delays the pump restart when the sump water level rises, which helps avoid overflowing the collection cup after power returns. That is the main practical advantage of the DC design here. The trade-off is that the SETZ D SKIM DC depends on its electronic controller, so you are adding an electronic component to the setup. The BLUSKIMMER’s catalog entry does not describe a blackout delay or an electronic controller, so do not assume one. If power cuts are frequent in your area, that difference matters more than pump style alone.
Trade-offs to weigh before buying
- Sump layout vs cover compartment: Pick the SETZ D SKIM DC if your skimmer runs in a sump; pick the BLUSKIMMER if your Cayman, Dubai or large Star glass tank has the dedicated cover compartment. Measure your available space and confirm the mounting location before ordering.
- Blackout protection: The SETZ D SKIM DC’s controller delays restart when sump water rises after a power cut; the BLUSKIMMER entry lists no such feature, so plan your own restart routine if you choose it. If outages are common, treat the delay as a real safety feature, not a bonus.
- Pump and tuning style: The SETZ D SKIM DC relies on a Hydor needle impeller for air-water mixing; the BLUSKIMMER pairs a brush impeller with an air flow regulator and silencer for adjustable intake and quieter running. Decide whether you want set-and-forget DC control or a manual air regulator you can tune.
Product facts at a glance
- SETZ D SKIM DC: Electronically controlled pump with a needle impeller designed by Hydor for mixing large quantities of water and air. A needle impeller is built for foam production, so this skimmer is aimed at sump-based setups where consistent air-water mixing matters.
SETZ D SKIM DC - BLUSKIMMER: Compact skimmer with a built-in submersible pump, brush impeller, silencer with sucker, air flow regulator and silicon pipe. The air flow regulator and silencer give you tuning and noise control, and the compact body fits the cover compartment on Cayman, Dubai and large Star glass tanks.
BLUSKIMMER
Which skimmer suits your tank?
Best for
- Sump-based saltwater systems where a controlled DC pump and blackout delay are useful
- Aquarists who want a needle impeller designed specifically for skimmer air-water mixing
Not for
- Tanks that rely on a cover compartment rather than a sump
- Buyers who prefer a manual air flow regulator and a built-in brush-impeller pump
