sapphire aquatics skimmer

[Steve H]

Just ordered one of these for my BC-14. Its supposed to fit in the second chamber and still allow the stock hood to close. It got good reviews on Nano-reef anyone here use it?

 

[Amazon]

Yup, that's what we have on our BC14. Works well. We have to empty it every other day (about .5" of green skimmate).

It will fit in the second chamber with small modifications.

 

[Steve H]

good to hear, did you make any oter mods to your tank? I've widened the overflow, and swapped out the stock pump w/ a mj1200

 

[Amazon]

oh yah This is the "million dollar nano" or simply MDN for short.

We did the light upgrade (added 24w PC). Put in more powerful fans, and the controller. We also stuck a MJ600 in the back left corner for more flow. The bioballs were chucked and we put in carbon balls (refillable).

You stuffed a 1200 in there? How did that go?

Oh yes, how could I forget...we added a chiller.

 

[Steve H]

nice, The light upgrade is next for mine. The mj1200 just slippped in the back no problem, I had to cut about 1/2" off the supply tube. I originall had it aet up with a hydor rotating head but that messed up the sand too much. I removed it and the factory lock line, now its just and open outlet, works well

 

[Amazon]

hehe, yah...I tried the hydor too. Nice idea..but I wasn't willing to sacrifice the flow either.

FWIW our temps went up quite a bit after the light mod. You should be aware that the ballast is mounted underneath the light in the hood. I think this is the cause of our heat - maybe a hot ballast. Ideally it should be outside of the hood.

What we experienced with the high temps appears to be unusual. I just wanted to give you a heads up.

 

[Steve H]

Thanks, from what I've read the temps should go down with the mod due to faster fans and a better heat shield. It will be a while before I do the upgrade.