If the nanoskim that you are talking about is the JBJ Surface Skimmer, they skim the surface by creating an overflow. Any junk that's on the surface will eventually make its way over the wall and into your sump. I don't know much about the aquapod, but it stays in place in the NC with water pressure. It's almost like magic - just put it in place over the drain and it stays there.
Another nice benefit aside from the surface skimming is that it maintains a constant water level in the main tank. Only the water level in the sump goes up and down.