Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium

cynicechoes · 08-22-2007, 08:11 PM

Ok, so I have the aquapod 24 & I have heard from some people about the skimmers produced by Sapphire Aquatics. We definitely need to invest in a protein skimmer, but are unsure what to go with since we need a submersible/in-tank one. When I saw that sapphire produces one specialized for my tank, I was considering that.

But then I found one better, I am hoping... we want to get a refugium also, & I wanted to see people's opinions on buying their 18" refugium w/ the protein skimmer, lighting, & pump all in one. I know the one they produce is for the nanocube, but would that work for an aquapod, or would they custom build one for me (Is it really expensive custom)? Anyone that has experience with sapphire I would appreciate your knowledge on whether this is a good way to go, or if I could find better quality elsewhere. Thanks, as always in advance!

BigAl07 · 08-22-2007, 11:02 PM

Do you have a link on which one you're talking about?

Allen

CATALYST · 08-22-2007, 11:39 PM

I have that set up. It's been a couple weeks. So far so good. I had just the skimmer before and it was working great. I added the fuge after and put the skimmer in it. I have an aquapod 24.

cynicechoes · 08-23-2007, 01:19 AM

Yeh, sorry, here's the link ---> Sapphire Aquatics 18" Hang-on Refugium w/ Skimmer

BigAl07 · 08-23-2007, 07:31 AM

I like the looks of that one. If I had it to do over again that's probably what I would buy if it I were getting a HOB. Looks like a GREAT unit.

Allen

JT101 · 08-23-2007, 01:15 PM

I also have an AquaPod 24 with a Sapphire Aquatics AP24 skimmer "hidden" in the R/H back compartment, but I'm trying to figure out how you "hang" this refugium on the back of an AquaPod 24...can someone helpe understand that?

cynicechoes · 08-23-2007, 02:55 PM

Thanks much Allen, I appreciate it!

JT, with the standard hood you will not be able to use the refuge without making alterations to the hood. To be sure what would have to be done we'd need to actually get a look at it. I know if you replace the standard hood w/ the Metal Hallide pendant, it will work no problem, but keeping the original is going to be a little more difficult, but we are going to try. If it works like I think it does the only problem is that the pipes for water exchange don't have anyway of getting into the tank, so my husband is going to try drilling out spaces big enough on the back of the hood to allow the pipes to go through. I figure if he destroys it, we have to replace it w/ an MH pendant anyways to be able to use the fuge, so I am not too worried about it! lol If there is more to it then I dunno, but I saw some pics on someone thread where they added a fuge to a nanocube similar to our AP, and it appears they did what I was talking about, so we will see!

BigAl07 · 08-23-2007, 02:58 PM

Yeah it should be fairly straight forward and WORSE case scenario you get a new MH hood

SWEET!!

Allen

PS No trying to tickle him while he's drilling just to MAKE him slip up

cynicechoes · 08-23-2007, 03:09 PM

Ok so I was wrong about it being that easy just got PM from Catalyst, and he got the same set up & had to get a MH pendant because it doesn't work. Here's what he said:

"It's not just a matter of drilling out the holes or I would have done it. On the fuge, the pump that brings the water from the pod to the fuge is right in the middle and all the ballast wiring is in the way on the stock hood. Cutting the two holes on either side is no big deal. The hangers for the fuge are right where the hinges are too and it didn't want to sit offset."

But like you said Allen, worst case scenario better lighting! Downfall more monies!

LOL

P.S. Suprisingly I am the one holding back the hubby on buying stuff! He'll be the one purposely causing a slip up! He'll like blame it on the dg licking his toes or something! HAHA If he had his way we'd be broke! LOL I want the stuff too! But hey, someone has to be realistic right?!

CATALYST · 08-23-2007, 03:19 PM

I found out after I got it that it doesn't work with the stock hood. Here's some pics.

CATALYST · 08-23-2007, 03:21 PM

Here's a pic of the inside of my stock hood. You can see in the middle is right where all the wiring is in the way...and the hinges are where the fuge hangs.

JT101 · 09-26-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CATALYST

Here's a pic of the inside of my stock hood. You can see in the middle is right where all the wiring is in the way...and the hinges are where the fuge hangs.

Sorry, old thread but still a good one nonetheless...

I was afraid of this...

It looks like the stock AP24 hood is a severe limiting factor when trying to install ANYTHING extra into this tank.

I do not want to trash my hood. I love it, and I love the PC SunPaq lights too. So I want to work around it.

Looks like I'll have to be brave about it.

On the OTHER hand, there HAS to be someone out there that makes a fuge for an AP24 that doesn't require major surgery to the hood.

I have had good luck with getting fast emails responses from Current USA (the maker of the AquaPod 24). I'll shoot them an email about fuges and see what they say

Thanks
John

cynicechoes · 09-26-2007, 08:04 PM

I'd be really interested to find out what you hear from current about it, or what else you find out about fuges for the stock hood, because right now I am looking at replacing my lights due to the limiting factor of the hood! I'd appreciate it if you drop me a line with what you find out!

Happy reefing!

JT101 · 09-27-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cynicechoes

I'd be really interested to find out what you hear from current about it, or what else you find out about fuges for the stock hood, because right now I am looking at replacing my lights due to the limiting factor of the hood! I'd appreciate it if you drop me a line with what you find out!

Happy reefing!

Well, I just happen to have that info right here

!

Here is their reply:

"Dear John –

The 24g AquaPod with lid is not the most ideal for a refugium addition. However, we have heard of some end users removing the media in the back and making that their refugium. The AquaPod with the HQI and glass top will allow a refugium to connect to the back.

Hopefully this information was helpful.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,
Current-USA Customer Service
www.current-usa.com"

As you can see, NOT very useful!!!

cynicechoes · 09-27-2007, 01:59 PM

Right, that is what I already knew lol! I think I am just going to chalk up the money for hallides, means more corals anyways lol

08-22-2007, 08:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
cynicechoes Midas Blenny Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 111 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Ok, so I have the aquapod 24 & I have heard from some people about the skimmers produced by Sapphire Aquatics. We definitely need to invest in a protein skimmer, but are unsure what to go with since we need a submersible/in-tank one. When I saw that sapphire produces one specialized for my tank, I was considering that. But then I found one better, I am hoping... we want to get a refugium also, & I wanted to see people's opinions on buying their 18" refugium w/ the protein skimmer, lighting, & pump all in one. I know the one they produce is for the nanocube, but would that work for an aquapod, or would they custom build one for me (Is it really expensive custom)? Anyone that has experience with sapphire I would appreciate your knowledge on whether this is a good way to go, or if I could find better quality elsewhere. Thanks, as always in advance! __________________ Casey & Cody(probably not) -Thus the task is not to see what nobody yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees. - Unknown Our Newbie Reef Tank Journey!

08-22-2007, 11:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 11,496 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Do you have a link on which one you're talking about? Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

08-22-2007, 11:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
CATALYST Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 978 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium I have that set up. It's been a couple weeks. So far so good. I had just the skimmer before and it was working great. I added the fuge after and put the skimmer in it. I have an aquapod 24.

08-23-2007, 01:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
cynicechoes Midas Blenny Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 111 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Yeh, sorry, here's the link ---> Sapphire Aquatics 18" Hang-on Refugium w/ Skimmer __________________ Casey & Cody(probably not) -Thus the task is not to see what nobody yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees. - Unknown Our Newbie Reef Tank Journey!

08-23-2007, 07:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 11,496 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium I like the looks of that one. If I had it to do over again that's probably what I would buy if it I were getting a HOB. Looks like a GREAT unit. Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

08-23-2007, 01:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
JT101 Neon dottyback Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hicksville NY Posts: 622 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium I also have an AquaPod 24 with a Sapphire Aquatics AP24 skimmer "hidden" in the R/H back compartment, but I'm trying to figure out how you "hang" this refugium on the back of an AquaPod 24...can someone helpe understand that?

08-23-2007, 02:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
cynicechoes Midas Blenny Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 111 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Thanks much Allen, I appreciate it! JT, with the standard hood you will not be able to use the refuge without making alterations to the hood. To be sure what would have to be done we'd need to actually get a look at it. I know if you replace the standard hood w/ the Metal Hallide pendant, it will work no problem, but keeping the original is going to be a little more difficult, but we are going to try. If it works like I think it does the only problem is that the pipes for water exchange don't have anyway of getting into the tank, so my husband is going to try drilling out spaces big enough on the back of the hood to allow the pipes to go through. I figure if he destroys it, we have to replace it w/ an MH pendant anyways to be able to use the fuge, so I am not too worried about it! lol If there is more to it then I dunno, but I saw some pics on someone thread where they added a fuge to a nanocube similar to our AP, and it appears they did what I was talking about, so we will see! __________________ Casey & Cody(probably not) -Thus the task is not to see what nobody yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees. - Unknown Our Newbie Reef Tank Journey!

08-23-2007, 02:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 11,496 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Yeah it should be fairly straight forward and WORSE case scenario you get a new MH hood SWEET!! Allen PS No trying to tickle him while he's drilling just to MAKE him slip up __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

08-23-2007, 03:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
cynicechoes Midas Blenny Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 111 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Ok so I was wrong about it being that easy just got PM from Catalyst, and he got the same set up & had to get a MH pendant because it doesn't work. Here's what he said: "It's not just a matter of drilling out the holes or I would have done it. On the fuge, the pump that brings the water from the pod to the fuge is right in the middle and all the ballast wiring is in the way on the stock hood. Cutting the two holes on either side is no big deal. The hangers for the fuge are right where the hinges are too and it didn't want to sit offset." But like you said Allen, worst case scenario better lighting! Downfall more monies! LOL P.S. Suprisingly I am the one holding back the hubby on buying stuff! He'll be the one purposely causing a slip up! He'll like blame it on the dg licking his toes or something! HAHA If he had his way we'd be broke! LOL I want the stuff too! But hey, someone has to be realistic right?! __________________ Casey & Cody(probably not) -Thus the task is not to see what nobody yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees. - Unknown Our Newbie Reef Tank Journey!

08-23-2007, 03:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
CATALYST Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 978 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium I found out after I got it that it doesn't work with the stock hood. Here's some pics.

08-23-2007, 03:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
CATALYST Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 978 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Here's a pic of the inside of my stock hood. You can see in the middle is right where all the wiring is in the way...and the hinges are where the fuge hangs.

09-26-2007, 08:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
cynicechoes Midas Blenny Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 111 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium I'd be really interested to find out what you hear from current about it, or what else you find out about fuges for the stock hood, because right now I am looking at replacing my lights due to the limiting factor of the hood! I'd appreciate it if you drop me a line with what you find out! Happy reefing! __________________ Casey & Cody(probably not) -Thus the task is not to see what nobody yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees. - Unknown Our Newbie Reef Tank Journey!

09-27-2007, 01:59 PM	#15 (permalink)
cynicechoes Midas Blenny Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 111 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer/Refugium Right, that is what I already knew lol! I think I am just going to chalk up the money for hallides, means more corals anyways lol __________________ Casey & Cody(probably not) -Thus the task is not to see what nobody yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees. - Unknown Our Newbie Reef Tank Journey!

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