Reef Octopus BH-2000 HOB

[tnwillia]

I purchased this as a back-up skimmer for my RSM 250 where my Primary is the EuroReef Nano RSM 250 skimmer.

Octopus Hang-on-the-Back
with OTP2000
• Item #: OCT-BH-2000
• Dimensions: 7.75" x 3.25" x 17"
• Includes OTP 2000 pump
• Rated up to 125 gallons. (varies due to bio load of system)


Out of the box, I had the unit assembled in 10 minutes. It is about 95% built out of the box. You still have to install the pump and its plumbing.



Coralvue has also come out with a new impeller for the Octopus line of pumps. My 2000 pump came with the old style needle wheel. I purchased the new pin wheel impeller and installed it in the pump, keeping the needle wheel as a back-up.


For those with ER Nano RSM skimmers here is a side by side to get an idea of the BH-2000 size.


Be sure to water test your unit before putting it in your tank. It took me 3 tries to get the 3 lock down screws in the external pump sealed and not leaking. I had read in other threads of people having this problem and using thread tape, I did this, in my case this made the leaks happen. In the end, I used the supplied O-rings with plumber’s silicone grease and hand tightened. I got a good seal and no leaks. I also added the ty-rap on the air line as I read on one person who had this work off and flood his floor.

Now I was ready to put it in my tank. I found out right away both input and output pipes were too short to reach the water in my back chamber. This was my main modifications to fit the RSM 250. I had to extend both pipes. This was not straight forward as the skimmer uses UPVC and my local building supply only carries PVC. The I/D is different. Here is what I ended up with as a working solution. Note, the overflow cup is not shown installed in the picture on the input pipe.




Once in my tank I filled it with 8” of SW as directed. I plugged it in but got no bubbles. You have to have the air line clear and closed when you start the pump. Once the pump is running you can open the air and the bubbles will start. It took me a few tries to get this but once it started I got good bubble production from then on. This pump is very quiet, and being external there is no heat being generated into my tank.





I’ll continue this thru skimmer break-in over the next couple of weeks. Again this is my going to be my back-up skimmer. I really don’t want this big HOB riding above my tank full time. I’m sure this may be perfect for others and I hope the info may help.

Enjoy....Tom

[Reefmack]

Nice review Tom! Now that it's running let us know how it skims as it breaks in.

[nanoreefing4fun]

Tom very nice pics - and review so far... best of luck !!!

Hope it skims like you want it to... looks like quality material...

[livingword26]

I have a BH 1000 that I am happy with. I would be interested in any info you can provide or link to on the pinwheel impellers.

[tnwillia]

Thanks Guys... This is a solid built skimmer. I've still got the cup real high just to make sure the pump is going to work consistantly. I've got a wet bubble column into the cup building now. I'll lower it in an hour or so and see if it's ready to start producing. I read 1 thread where a guy was getting good dark skim in the first 24 hours. AS dirty as my tank is now being without a skimmer for going on 4 weeks.....We'll see......

[tnwillia]

livingword26.....Aquacave has the pinwheel impellers on their site with the Octopus line of skimmer pumps. Their not cheap!

[tnwillia]

livingword26.... here you go....

Pin Wheel Impeller for Octopus OTP Water Pump - AquaCave

[livingword26]

Originally Posted by tnwillia

livingword26.... here you go....

Pin Wheel Impeller for Octopus OTP Water Pump - AquaCave

Thanks Tom. I'll have to tear mine down and see which one I have. I like mine how it is, but better is always good.

[tnwillia]

Brad.... Questions for you, do you get "dry" bubbles up the tube of the skimmer cup? At what level is your skimmer cup setting down in the body (1/4, 1/2, 3/4)? Thanks!

[tnwillia]

At almost 24hrs into break-in, here are 3 short videos. 2 show bubble production ans skim collection. 3dr is for RSM owners showing you have the ability to open the stock hood thru all levels with this skimmer. Enjoy!

[Reefmack]

Looking good so far! Did it come with the airline silencer or did you "borrow" that from the Euro-Reef skimmer?

[tnwillia]

One feature I really like on this skimmer is the small hole between the input & out chamber (see the arrow). The cup is not a tight fit so there is a chance for water to creep up the side of the cup and spill. By using the set screw above the hole you force the cup onto the far wall and create a better gap on the left side. The water creeping up the sides now can overflow into the output chamber via the hole. I found this and figured it out just before the creeping water hit the top last night and spilled.

[nanoreefing4fun]

Great documentation Tom !!! It looks like it's churning out the bubbles... hope once it breaks in, it skims well for you !

I know you won't miss the heat in the tank from the internal pump of the rsm skimmer

[tnwillia]

Came with it Terry. A well put together package. AquaCave told me all the Octopus pump models will have the pinwheel impellers in the near future. The older needle wheels are no longer being sold. So far so good!

[tnwillia]

Your right Glenn. That was also why I looked at this model instead of the 300 you talked about, it had internal pumps. But all in all, my ER goes back in the tank as soon as I finish testing this and get the new impellers. Thanks!