Remora HOB vs. Urchin and placement

[haninja]

<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">I’ve been looking at the differences between the two and as far as I can tell, the Urchin has a base that helps it stand on a flat surface and a hose that lowers the powerhead down. Other then that, they look the same. Is my assumption correct? So, if I have a HOB version, I can potentially DIY a stand, add a hose and put it in sump?</span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">I am thinking about building a refugium but am limited with space so no sump. Can I use the Remora HOB version on the refugium itself? Would it benefit me the same way it would if it was hanging on the tank itself?</span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Related to the second question, I know it is “customary” to put the skimmer in the sump section were the tank overflow comes in. With my limited space issue, I’m thinking to place it in the return section next to the return pump. Is that a good idea?</span>

 

[glxtrix]

I believe the only differacne is the urchin is larger and is designed for sump use. You could totally use the Remora HOB in the sump and you really dont need to have the pump lower to the ground, but it wouldnt hurt for keeping it more level. Just get some longer tubing from homedepot or lowes and lower it....adding a stronger pump prolly wouldnt be a bad idea if you go that route either.

 

[frewl]

They are the same size. But there are three sizes of the Ramora and Two sizes of the Urchin. They both come in regular and pro sizes but the Ramora also comes in a Nano size. You can use either in a sump just have to make a stand for the Ramora. The Ramora can't stand on its own. it has two small blocks on the bottom where the adjusting screws go that keep it from standing on its own. If you really wanted to you could mod an urchin to be HOB but that would be alot more work.

 

[haninja]

I figure that much. Now, about the placment: is there a preference as to where? can I use it hanged on the back of the fuge or is it better to sump it?

 

[frewl]

The question is how much flow would you have in the fuge? If you match it up with the flow of the skimmer pump which I think is about 300 gph there would be little difference. Where would the fuge be in relation to the tank? just a hang on or a separate tank next to your display? Tell me alittle more about what you are planning.

 

[haninja]

<span style="font-family: Arial;">I got the idea from http://www.melevsreef.com/sump.html">melevsreef.com.</a> </span>

<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have 20g tall with a DIY stand. Under the display, I have room to fit 18 x 12 x ~20. The idea is to build a custom fuge 18x12x12 or even 18x16x12 with the back sticking out a bit.</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Put a 600gph rated overflow box with a 600gph return pump (mag 5?) and have the skimmer either hang on the back of the fuge or sit in the return area.</span>

 

[frewl]

I would have it hanging off the back so you can have more volume for the fuge. plus you will have alittle more water volume just having the Ramora hanging off sure its only a gallon or something like that but more volume is more volume.