Product Information

Deltec 2000 Series Protein Skimmer — 2000i & 2000ix – High-capacity protein skimming for serious marine aquariums

When an aquarium reaches the 1500–2000 litre range, protein-skimmer selection becomes less about simply finding a pump with a large air number and more about how efficiently the entire skimmer manages air, water, bubbles and foam.

The Deltec 2000 Series is engineered for larger marine and saltwater systems where filtration equipment is expected to operate continuously and consistently.

The series is available in two configurations:

• 2000i — controllable 24 V DC operation
• 2000ix — fixed-output 230 V AC operation

Both are designed around Deltec’s established approach to reaction-chamber geometry, air-water interaction, hydraulic control and practical maintenance.

The engineering behind the Deltec 2000

The 2000 Series uses a 200 mm diameter reaction body — substantially larger than the 160 mm body used on the 1500 Series. The larger cylindrical chamber provides the physical volume required for the higher air throughput of the 2000 class.

The basic process remains:

air intake → bubble generation → air-water interaction → adsorption of organic compounds → foam concentration → skimmate collection

The important distinction is that Deltec does not define performance by air draw alone. The pump, reaction chamber, water movement and foam collection system are designed to work together.

Deltec 2000i — controllable DC operation

The 2000i uses Deltec’s DCC 3 24 V DC pump with the SWC 3 controller.

Deltec’s technical data specifies:

• Power consumption: 10–28 W
• Maximum air: 1,450 L/h
• Optimal continuous air: 1,300 L/h
• Pump: DCC 3
• Voltage: 24 V DC
• Controller: SWC 3
• Continuous control: 8 stages

The 2000i therefore gives the aquarist control over the pump’s operating intensity. This is useful because the organic load of a marine aquarium is not necessarily constant.

The system can change with:

• fish stocking
• feeding levels
• introduction or removal of livestock
• maintenance
• changes in nutrient-management strategy

The ability to adjust the skimmer can therefore be more useful than simply having a permanently oversized fixed-output pump.

Maximum air vs optimal continuous air – Deltec specifies 1,450 L/h maximum air, but 1,300 L/h as the optimal continuous air volume. These numbers should not be treated as interchangeable. The maximum figure indicates the pump’s capability; the optimal continuous figure provides a more meaningful indication of the intended sustained operating range.

Deltec 2000ix — high-output fixed operation

The 2000ix uses the Deltec DCS 1700 pump operating at 230 V AC.

Official specifications list:

• Power consumption: 31 W
• Maximum air: 1,600 L/h
• Optimal continuous air: 1,300 L/h
• Pump: DCS 1700
• Voltage: 230 V AC
• External controller: None

The 2000ix is therefore the straightforward option for the aquarist who prefers fixed-output operation without a separate pump controller.

Interestingly, the 2000ix has the higher maximum air specification, but both 2000 models are specified at 1,300 L/h optimal continuous air.

That is an important distinction when comparing the two.

Why air draw isn’t the whole story

It is tempting to compare protein skimmers using a single number:“This skimmer draws X litres of air per hour.” That number is useful, but incomplete. Actual skimming depends on the interaction between:

• air volume
• bubble characteristics
• water flow
• reaction-chamber volume
• contact conditions
• foam stability
• organic loading
• aquarium chemistry
• skimmer adjustment
• maintenance

For this reason, the difference between 1,450 L/h and 1,600 L/h maximum air should not be interpreted as a proportional difference in organic-waste removal.

The 2000i and 2000ix are better understood as two different pump-control approaches within the same Deltec capacity class.

200 mm reaction chamber

The 200 mm body diameter is one of the defining engineering characteristics of the Deltec 2000. Compared with the 1500 Series’ 160 mm body, the larger chamber provides significantly more internal cross-sectional area for the bubble column. This is important when dealing with the higher air volume of the 2000 Series. The objective is not simply to generate more bubbles. The reaction chamber must provide an environment in which those bubbles can interact effectively with aquarium water before the foam is concentrated through the riser.

The result is a design centred on controlled air-water interaction rather than maximum turbulence.

125 mm riser / cup tube

The 2000 Series uses a 125 mm internal cup tube diameter according to Deltec’s technical specification. The larger diameter is appropriate to the increased scale of the reaction chamber and air-processing capacity. As foam rises from the reaction chamber, the riser provides the transition from the turbulent reaction environment into the more controlled foam-collection zone. For the aquarist, this matters because stable foam formation is essential to consistently moving concentrated organic material into the collection cup.

Deltec’s hydraulic approach

The Deltec 2000 is not designed simply around a large pump attached to a large acrylic tube.Its hydraulic design aims to manage the transition between: high-volume air-water mixing → controlled reaction chamber → foam concentration → water return

The lower section of the skimmer is designed to manage the return of processed water while helping minimise unnecessary turbulence.This contributes to the quiet, stable operating behaviour expected from a premium skimmer.

Correct sump water depth

Deltec specifies a 160–260 mm water level for the 2000i. The 2000ix documentation also specifies 180–260 mm for that model. This is an important installation detail and should not be ignored when planning a sump. The surrounding water level affects the hydraulic conditions under which the skimmer pump operates.

Therefore, a stable sump chamber is strongly preferred.

2000i – Recommended water depth: 160–260 mm

2000ix – Recommended water depth: 180–260 mm

Always install the specific model according to its manufacturer’s stated operating depth.

Dimensions and sump planning

2000i

Footprint: 300 × 225 mm
Height: 560 mm*
Body diameter: 200 mm
Cup/riser internal diameter: 125 mm
Recommended water depth: 160–260 mm

2000ix

Footprint: 280 × 220 mm
Height: 550 mm*
Body diameter: 200 mm
Cup/riser internal diameter: 125 mm
Recommended water depth: 180–260 mm

*Allow additional clearance above the skimmer for collection-cup removal. Deltec specifies +15 mm for cup removal.

Because the 2000 Series is physically substantial, measure the actual sump chamber and cabinet clearance before ordering.

Do not measure only the footprint.

Check:

• chamber width
• chamber length
• operating water depth
• vertical cabinet clearance
• collection-cup removal space
• access for pump maintenance

Maintenance — an important part of performance

A premium skimmer still needs maintenance. The air intake, silencer, airline, venturi and pump components can accumulate deposits over time. Reduced air draw, changes in foam production or unusual pump behaviour should therefore prompt inspection and cleaning rather than simply increasing the pump setting. Deltec’s troubleshooting documentation specifically identifies blocked silencer, airline or venturi, kinked airline and blocked pump components as possible causes of insufficient air performance.

For a large system, this is particularly important because a small reduction in air performance can affect the skimmer’s overall behaviour.

CSM 2000 Manual Cleaning System – The CSM 2000 is Deltec’s manual cleaning system for the 2000 Series. It is an optional accessory and is NOT included with the standard 2000i or 2000ix skimmer. If you want the CSM 2000 supplied with your skimmer, select:

2000i – With CSM Cleaning System or 2000ix – With CSM Cleaning System

The CSM is intended to make routine cleaning of the skimmer neck easier, helping the hobbyist maintain the foam-collection area without repeatedly performing a more involved manual cleaning process.

2000i vs 2000ix — technical comparison

	Deltec 2000i	Deltec 2000ix
Aquarium range	1500–2000 L	1500–2000 L
Pump	DCC 3	DCS 1700
Voltage	24 V DC	230 V AC
Controller	SWC 3	None
Maximum air	1,450 L/h	1,600 L/h
Optimal continuous air	1,300 L/h	1,300 L/h
Power consumption	10–28 W	31 W
Pump control	Variable	Fixed
Body diameter	200 mm	200 mm
Cup/riser internal diameter	125 mm	125 mm
Footprint	300 × 225 mm	280 × 220 mm
Height	560 mm*	550 mm*
Water depth	160–260 mm	180–260 mm
CSM	Optional CSM 2000	Optional CSM 2000

*Allow additional clearance for collection-cup removal.

Which Deltec 2000 should you choose?

Choose the 2000i if: You want variable DC pump control and the ability to adjust the skimmer according to the changing organic load of your aquarium. The 2000i gives you control through the SWC 3 controller rather than locking the skimmer to one fixed operating point.

Choose the 2000ix if: You prefer simple fixed-output AC operation and do not need variable pump control. The 2000ix also has a higher maximum air specification of 1,600 L/h, although its optimal continuous air specification is 1,300 L/h, the same as the 2000i.

Which one is more powerful?

It depends on what you mean by “powerful.” The 2000ix has the higher maximum air rating, at 1,600 L/h versus 1,450 L/h. However, both are specified at 1,300 L/h optimal continuous air. So the choice should not be made simply from the maximum-air number.

Who is the Deltec 2000 for?

The Deltec 2000 is designed for the serious marine aquarist running a 1500–2000 litre system and looking for a high-capacity protein skimmer built around controlled air-water interaction rather than headline specifications alone.

It is particularly suited to hobbyists who value:

• Deltec’s German engineering
• high-capacity air processing
• large 200 mm reaction chamber
• controllable operation on the 2000i
• straightforward fixed-output operation on the 2000ix
• efficient power consumption
• stable foam formation
• serviceability
• premium construction

At this system size, correct sizing and installation become particularly important.

A 2000 litre aquarium with a light livestock load does not necessarily require the same skimming approach as a heavily stocked system with substantial feeding.

Tank volume is the starting point — actual organic load determines how the skimmer should be selected and tuned.

Why Deltec?

Deltec has been developing filtration equipment for marine aquaristics since 1980 and describes itself as a pioneer in saltwater filtration. The company states that its skimmers, reactors, pumps, filters and other equipment are manufactured at its facility in Delmenhorst, Germany. Deltec also identifies itself as the first provider of needle-wheel protein skimmers. That history is relevant to the 2000 Series because the product is not built around one isolated specification. The pump, reaction chamber, hydraulic design, foam collection and maintenance considerations are treated as parts of one filtration system.

Available from Something Fishy

Something Fishy offers the Deltec 2000 Series for marine and saltwater aquarists in India, including the 2000i and 2000ix, with optional CSM 2000 configurations. If you are unsure which configuration is appropriate for your aquarium, share your total system volume, fish load, feeding level and sump water depth with us. We can help you select the appropriate model rather than automatically recommending the more expensive option.

Choose Your Deltec 2000 Configuration

2000i – Skimmer Only
Deltec 2000i protein skimmer with DCC 3 24 V DC pump and SWC 3 controller. CSM 2000 Manual Cleaning System is not included.

2000i – With CSM Cleaning System
Deltec 2000i protein skimmer with DCC 3 24 V DC pump and SWC 3 controller, supplied with the CSM 2000 Manual Cleaning System for convenient manual cleaning of the skimmer neck.

2000ix – Skimmer Only
Deltec 2000ix protein skimmer with DCS 1700 230 V AC pump. CSM 2000 Manual Cleaning System is not included.

2000ix – With CSM Cleaning System
Deltec 2000ix protein skimmer with DCS 1700 230 V AC pump, supplied with the CSM 2000 Manual Cleaning System for convenient manual cleaning of the skimmer neck.

Important: The CSM 2000 is an optional accessory and is not included with the standard “Skimmer Only” variants. Select the “With CSM Cleaning System” variant if you want the CSM 2000 included with your purchase.