remora: to drain or not to drain (fitting that is)?

nemo g · #1 04/25/2006, 11:19 AM

id just like to get some input as to whether or not i should get the remora with the drain fitting?

any issues with leakage?

is it a pain to clean since you have to deal with a drain hose and container (no easy on off)?

is it "necessary"?

its only $15. so if it doesnt cause any issues and just adds the possiblilty of leaving it for a few day, its a no brainer. right?

thanks

Spuds725 · #2 04/25/2006, 11:27 AM

I used the standard Aqua C Urchin (Very similar to the remora) with drain fitting... no issues with leakage-- just be careful if you ever add something that makes your skimmer go crazy as you can inadvertantly skim alot of water out of your tank.... perhaps add a small valve you can shut off on the drain line if you ever add something that does this-- then the cup will just drain back into the skimmer if it fills up.

My urchin didn't skim as good as I expected so IMO the drain fitting isn't needed, as you will likely need to clean the riser anyway before it fills up...

Perhaps mine wasn't as good as other peoples experience.... if you get the Remora Pro then it might be a good idea to get the drain fitting as it should produce more skimmate.

mthedude · #3 04/25/2006, 01:59 PM

the collection cup needs cleaned every 2-3 days anyway for maximum performance so why not just skip the $15 charge and clean is religously every 3 days.

Reefbone · #4 04/25/2006, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mthedude
the collection cup needs cleaned every 2-3 days anyway for maximum performance so why not just skip the $15 charge and clean is religously every 3 days.

I second this... save your money. I have the drain fitting and it was a waste. The slot for the fitting may even make the skimmer more noisey. So if anything there is a benifit to NOT getting the fitting.

nemo g · #5 04/25/2006, 02:59 PM

regarding cost, its the same. as with the draining tube its becomes eligible for free shipping.

what are the consequences to not getting the drain and letting the remora run for about 5 days (trip) without cleaning or emptying?

chip721 · #6 04/26/2006, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nemo g
what are the consequences to not getting the drain and letting the remora run for about 5 days (trip) without cleaning or emptying?

I have a Remora Pro with the drain fitting. My reason for getting it was exactly what you've stated here ..."5 day trip." But of course you can always just raise the cup to it's highest setting and skim dry while you're away. Or find someone to tank-sit for you. When you're home it's a moot point. But from my experience, the Remora can be notoriously unpredictable. I ran 1/2" tubing from the drain fitting into a gallon jug. Normally I'd get about a 1/3 of a jug every 3 or 4 days. Then at some other time for no apparent reason, I could find the gallon jug full in a day! IMO I'd kick out $15 in a heartbeat rather than come home after 5 days to find stinky wet floor. Personally my carpet and hardwood floors are worth the $15 fitting. Good luck.

$15 Floor Insurance.

nemo g · #7 04/26/2006, 05:20 PM

thanks chip. i figured if there are no issues with it then its a goo deal. especially since the cup itself (if i wanted to upgrade later) would be about $40.

my main concerns are ...

1. is the fitting itself hi quality. is it flimsy? does it leak or seem like it would?

2. the area that is cut out on the side of the remora itself... is there any possibility that this can/will leak? i am unsure as to the internal design, so im not sure if it has already been dealt with.

i always wonderded if the "o-ring" held a dual purpose of holding the cup and keeping stray moisture from escaping. if so, with the side opening, it could be an issue.

thanks for taking the time to take a picture chip

nemo g · #8 04/26/2006, 06:42 PM

if the fitting is high quality (water tight and not weak) then i think this would work best:

when the drain is not needed, id just use a plug to keep it water tight.

and when it is, i would use a rigid tube that it would slip over and which would then in turn drain into a container.

take a look, watcha think?

nemo g · #9 04/26/2006, 06:42 PM

excuse the typo made in the rush to photoshop my design

chip721 · #10 04/26/2006, 09:56 PM

The extenal fitting and notch are both well designed and you shouldn't have to worry about leaks with either. I'd take a picture, but my Remora has been packed away for awhile. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the cup is pre-drilled about 3/4 of the way up and the 90 degree fitting threads in with provided teflon tape. I'd consider using flexible tubing on the fitting though. It's really easier to deal with.

The primary function of the o-ring is to adjust the depth of the collection cup in the skimmer body. If the o-ring is placed high on the collection cup, then the cup sits low in the skimmer body for "wet" skimming. If the o-ring is placed low on the collection cup, then the cup sits higher in the skimmer for "dry" (foamy) skimming.

nemo g · #11 04/26/2006, 09:59 PM

chip, if i attach flexible tubing to the fitting ill have to lug around the cup with hose attached.

with my idea, the fitting sits inside a larger tube. so when i want to remove and clean, it just lifts right up with nothing to detach or worry about dripping, no?

Markieb · #12 04/26/2006, 10:25 PM

If you do get the drain, which I wished I would not have everything you named is correct! Mostly a pain to move the cup every few days to clean it. When you get tired of using it, and you will, turn it facing up, put a piece of hose on it that extends above the collection cups! Experinece I will tell you, will leave the floor wet if you dont!

As far as a five days trip! Just take off the collection cup! 5 days of not skimming is not going to kill anything!