Sapphire Aquatics Vs. Euro Reef

[medi]

My stock Solana skimmer is finally starting to fail. So now it is time to upgrade. I initially was going to purchase the Sapphire Aquatics skimmer, but then I remembered that Euro Reef recently introduced a nano line of skimmers. I have heard great things about the SA skimmer, but I know nothing about the ER other than their great reputation. Anyone have any experience or know someone that has experience with the ER nano skimmers? Thanks in advance.

[Mr Cob]

I own a Saphire Aquatics nano skimmer and have it on my 144, previously it was on my 75. I guess that in it's self says enough. It's a temporary solution but has been doing very well. It was on my 75 for about 6 months and I didn't have any reason to upgrade. Very proficient skimmer.

I have no info on Euro Reef, I've heard good things about them but no personal experience.

[glennr1978]

I can't say much about ER skimmers, but I can definitely vouch for Sapphire Aquatics. I've used many different nano skimmers over the last few years and IMO, the Sapphire outperforms the rest. I'm currently using a SA skimmer that is made for a BC29 in my DIY AIO 20g. It works far better than a Tunze 9002, and a Deltec MCE300 (overpriced junk, IMO. Deltec really dropped the ball on this one as far as I'm concerned).

My only complaint about the SA skimmer is that it took a couple of weeks to break in. I almost sold it right before it started working properly.....glad I didn't!!

[Mr Cob]

I didn't have a break in period with my SA skimmer...it just worked from the get go. Within the first day I had light skimmate.

[glennr1978]

I didn't have a break in period with my SA skimmer...it just worked from the get go. Within the first day I had light skimmate.


Did you ever have any problems with microbubbles? For the first two weeks that was all my skimmer DID produce!! Now, there are none.

[Mr Cob]

Nope. But I'm running it in my sump so I might not notice anyways since there is a bubble trap after it before it hits the return.

[medi]

The only complaint that seems to be fairly common is the extended break in period. I am really leaning toward the SA, which by the way is cheaper anyways. :)

[subsailor]

plus with sa you are supporting the texas economy. :-)

[corruption]

medi: I'm about to pick up a Solana myself, would you say the skimmer it comes with is worth using until its crapped out? Does it work at least decently? Or if you had it to do again, would you go straight off with a replacement?

-Corruption

[jlh81]

Yeah go with the solana

[corruption]

Planning on getting a Solana either way, want to know about the built-in skimmer's quality :)

-Corruption

[medi]

Actually, my stock skimmer has worked great. It regularly pulls out dark nasty green skimmate. The only reason I am going to replace it is the the acrylic has come apart near the top on two separate occasions, and now I am tired of fixing it.

On the other hand....I have read several reviews from people that hated their skimmer and never could get it to break in.

[corruption]

Cool, sounds like its at least worth trying out -- I've seen a few people saying the same, but I see posts of people saying that with ASM, Bubble King, Reef Octopus hardware too... I think lots of em just don't know how to do it right :) I'll stick with the stock for a while, and aim towards the Sapphire down the line.. Thanks! :D

-Corruption

[medi]

definitely can't go wrong with at least trying it out. Like I said mine is still working great, but it is time to fix AGAIN and I just don't want to mess with it anymore.

One tip of advice is to make some kind of riser to lift the skimmer about an inch to an inch and a half. This significantly improved the function of my skimmer.

[corruption]

Good to know... the repairs that you're making, whats the issue? Separation of the acrylic seams?

Also, how long have you had the tank? I wouldn't be surprised if theres been a minor revision or 2 to the components..

-Corruption

[medi]

exactly right. One of the acrylic seams near the top keeps coming apart. I have been using acrylic weld to fix it, but maybe just good old fashion glue would work better.

The tank is exactly one year old in 6 days.

[corruption]

6 months to a year to decide if I want another Tunze or if I want a Sapphire sounds like a plan :D

We're getting excited about getting the tank -- prolly be a month or so before we have it and its set up.. what lighting option did you go for? I think we're gonna have to go with the art deco MH fixture -- it just fits the setup so well :)

-Corruption

[medi]

They are a great AIO tank, and I have thoroughly enjoyed mine. I actually initially went with a 250W Aquamedic pendent, but then traded it for a 24" Coralife 150W MH with 2x64W PC and 2 blue moonlights. Now I want my 250W back.....:(, so I am soon to mod. my coralife fixture into a 250W MH. I really like the look of the stock MH that came with it, but I miss how bright the 250 MH was. IMHO a 150w MH is not enough light for this tank, especially since I am attempting to have multiple SPS corals.