new to hobby and need hob skimmer - tell me about reef octopus

DavidinGA · 12/04/2011, 08:09 PM

I have a 46 gallon bow front tank and I am looking for a solid hob skimmer. I am planning on a pretty heavy bioload fowlr tank so I'll probably go big on the skimmer if I can and keep it under $200.00

I've done some searches for Reef Octopus and while the information is "around" I am having a hard time coming up with a conclusive understand of what would be best for my needs.

The models I see that I think I should consider are:
BH100
BH100F
BH1000
BH2000

Are there any other models I should be looking at?

Of those models what are the good/bad of them? Which ones have the better pumps (and which pumps have problems)?

Is reef octopus the best bang for the buck hob skimmer or should I be consider others? I have been eyeing the Bubble Magus NAC5E but it needs a crazy amount of room behind the tank and I haven't decided if I want to give up that much room or not...

Any help would be appreciated. What would really be helpful would be a quick rundown of the good/bad of each model and your personal opinion as to which is the best for under $200.

Thanks!

lucas73 · 12/04/2011, 08:44 PM

No experience with any of those but here are some review's.I am contemplating the BH 1000,still researching the skimmer I want.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...ct-bh1000.html

http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octo...S-p/oc6118.htm

RN....... · 12/04/2011, 08:55 PM

I've got an eshopps psk-100h hob on my 60 gallon. It's my first salt tank and any experience with a skimmer, but it seems very well built and easy to put together. Pulls a ton of skimmate out too. It's rated for 100 gallons, but I'm not sure it right for your plans, but just my two cents.

DavidinGA · 12/04/2011, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucas73

No experience with any of those but here are some review's.I am contemplating the BH 1000,still researching the skimmer I want.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...ct-bh1000.html

http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octo...S-p/oc6118.htm

Ya those seem to be the 2 I keep coming back to...

fishgate · 12/05/2011, 10:09 AM

I have the BH2000 and I love it. I never had the micro-bubble problem like a lot of people do. Here is a short video I shot.

Mrmaguyver · 12/05/2011, 10:42 AM

I dont have any of the metioned models, but reef octopus in general is a really good skimmer. I have a dnw-110 recirculating one and I love it. I have it mounted externally and freed up alot of space in my sump. It does a killer job at pulling out the nastiest, black skimmate.... Ofcourse, I am comparing this to the eshopps psk 100 I had before.

Hope I helped.

wildman926 · 12/05/2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishgate

I have the BH2000 and I love it. I never had the micro-bubble problem like a lot of people do. Here is a short video I shot.

Excellent video. I had purchased a pair of these thinking I would go sumpless, but I did go with a sump, and use the SRO 1000 & 2000.

However, the feedback I recieved from the people that bought them from me state they are awesome.

I also modified the collection cup to drain to a remote container.

DavidinGA · 12/05/2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishgate

I have the BH2000 and I love it. I never had the micro-bubble problem like a lot of people do. Here is a short video I shot.

How well does the surface skim intake work? How low would your tank have to get before it would stop pulling water in and burn up the pump?

fishgate · 12/05/2011, 03:45 PM

The surface skim is adjustable. I have it set to work well when the tank is up to the bottom of the rim. The "teeth" are maybe 1". I have it about 1/2" below the bottom so maybe another 1/2" of water loss. You'll know before then because when the level gets low, it starts to suck in air and you'll see the air dancing around the skimmer intake area (see my vid, it was a little low when it was shot).

rjcranor · 12/05/2011, 04:16 PM

I have the Reef octopus skimmer bh 1000 model it works good. I have it on a 50 gallon tank, right now I have 4 fish a bunch of mushrooms, 1 coral and 1 plate coral. Plus clean up crew. Most of there skimmers are vague on set up though but you can get advice here or through company they were real helpful.

PHensley · 12/05/2011, 04:37 PM

Good reviews. I am interested in the reef octupus BH 1000 for my 55 gallon. For those with skimmer, have you experienced any overflows or is that a phenomenon that is caused by improper setup? Also, is the BH1000 enough for a 55 gallon or is the BH-2000 more suitable? Apparently Reef Octopus is coming out with the cylindrical BH-90 soon. It might be something to keep in mind if it is priced right.

fishgate · 12/05/2011, 04:44 PM

The only way I think it could overflow is if the output got plugged up. And I don't think that would be easy. I stuffed the black sponge that it comes with in there and it was starting to overflow so I quickly took it out. Looking at the design, I don't think there is much danger of an overflow.

Also note that I turned the output around to face the back of the tank. Most of the bubbles that do come out dissapate of you go this route.

Watch out for height, the filter needs a tank at least 16" high to clear everything. (it hangs down 16" from the top edge of the tank)

rjcranor · 12/05/2011, 06:04 PM

I've not had any issues with overflow, there is a hole between the cup and return side that keeps water from overflowing. As long as you don't have the collection cup over the hole. You want it above the hole anyway for proper skimming.

DavidinGA · 12/05/2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHensley

Good reviews. I am interested in the reef octupus BH 1000 for my 55 gallon. For those with skimmer, have you experienced any overflows or is that a phenomenon that is caused by improper setup? Also, is the BH1000 enough for a 55 gallon or is the BH-2000 more suitable? Apparently Reef Octopus is coming out with the cylindrical BH-90 soon. It might be something to keep in mind if it is priced right.

What's the BH-90?

Edit - found it http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog...rotein-skimmer

jlanger · 12/05/2011, 07:02 PM

I have had one of the Reef Octopus HOB skimmers running on a 45gal cube for almost two years now.
It takes a little time to understand what you need to do to start it up (poor instructions/none) and how to keep it operating smoothly, but that's what these forums are for.
If you want a nice affordable HOB skimmer, I would recommend the Reef Octopus skimmers.

For those of you thinking about the 100 size model, consider getting the BH-100F.
Two benefits of the BH-100F model over the standard BH-100:
1) The pump is located in the skimmer and not the tank. No fear of the pump sucking in any inhabitants and ruining your day. And the overflow box will skim the surface and is easily adjustable/removable.
2) The extra section at the end skimmer can be used to house your heater, filter pads and/or filter media. I also removed the black sponge. I made a custom guard at the return to wrap filter floss around to be a final trap for any debris and bubbles.

Definitely pulls a lot of gunk out of my tank. Very pleased with it.
Will be purchasing a Super Reef Octopus for my 120gal upgrade.

-JASON

DavidinGA · 12/05/2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlanger

I have had one of the Reef Octopus HOB skimmers running on a 45gal cube for almost two years now.
It takes a little time to understand what you need to do to start it up (poor instructions/none) and how to keep it operating smoothly, but that's what these forums are for.
If you want a nice affordable HOB skimmer, I would recommend the Reef Octopus skimmers.

For those of you thinking about the 100 size model, consider getting the BH-100F.
Two benefits of the BH-100F model over the standard BH-100:
1) The pump is located in the skimmer and not the tank. No fear of the pump sucking in any inhabitants and ruining your day. And the overflow box will skim the surface and is easily adjustable/removable.
2) The extra section at the end skimmer can be used to house your heater, filter pads and/or filter media. I also removed the black sponge. I made a custom guard at the return to wrap filter floss around to be a final trap for any debris and bubbles.

Definitely pulls a lot of gunk out of my tank. Very pleased with it.
Will be purchasing a Super Reef Octopus for my 120gal upgrade.

-JASON

How big of a heater will fit in the 100F's extra compartment area? How many inches deep is it?

jlanger · 12/06/2011, 04:02 PM

The water level in the last section runs just under 12 inches.

-JASON

DavidinGA · 12/06/2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlanger

The water level in the last section runs just under 12 inches.

-JASON

Is there room for a heater in the 1000/2000 model?

DavidinGA · 12/07/2011, 04:26 PM

Btt

PHensley · 12/08/2011, 12:12 PM

I vaguely remember someone putting a heater in a BH-1000 in the return section but I am not sure if I am remembering correctly. Hopefully someone with the unit can chime in on the feasibility. I would think the 100f would be better suited to contain a heater since it has more water volume but the skimmer isn't as nice as the BH-1000. Do the CPR refugiums have enough room for a heater?

DavidinGA · 12/09/2011, 06:19 PM

Can someone with one of these HOB's find a measurement for how large of heater would fit in the return section?

DavidinGA · 12/10/2011, 12:03 PM

.....

carlos413 · 12/10/2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHensley

I vaguely remember someone putting a heater in a BH-1000 in the return section but I am not sure if I am remembering correctly. Hopefully someone with the unit can chime in on the feasibility. I would think the 100f would be better suited to contain a heater since it has more water volume but the skimmer isn't as nice as the BH-1000. Do the CPR refugiums have enough room for a heater?

I have a 150 w heater in one of those CPR refugeum and one in a CPR Bak Pak.

DavidinGA · 12/11/2011, 04:07 PM

Is the back pak similar in size to the Octo?

DavidinGA · 12/13/2011, 08:45 PM

...............

12/04/2011, 08:09 PM	#1
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	new to hobby and need hob skimmer - tell me about reef octopus I have a 46 gallon bow front tank and I am looking for a solid hob skimmer. I am planning on a pretty heavy bioload fowlr tank so I'll probably go big on the skimmer if I can and keep it under $200.00 I've done some searches for Reef Octopus and while the information is "around" I am having a hard time coming up with a conclusive understand of what would be best for my needs. The models I see that I think I should consider are: BH100 BH100F BH1000 BH2000 Are there any other models I should be looking at? Of those models what are the good/bad of them? Which ones have the better pumps (and which pumps have problems)? Is reef octopus the best bang for the buck hob skimmer or should I be consider others? I have been eyeing the Bubble Magus NAC5E but it needs a crazy amount of room behind the tank and I haven't decided if I want to give up that much room or not... Any help would be appreciated. What would really be helpful would be a quick rundown of the good/bad of each model and your personal opinion as to which is the best for under $200. Thanks!

12/05/2011, 10:42 AM	#6
Mrmaguyver Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bronx, NY Posts: 29	I dont have any of the metioned models, but reef octopus in general is a really good skimmer. I have a dnw-110 recirculating one and I love it. I have it mounted externally and freed up alot of space in my sump. It does a killer job at pulling out the nastiest, black skimmate.... Ofcourse, I am comparing this to the eshopps psk 100 I had before. Hope I helped. __________________ -Gabriel Kessil A150w 10k (X2), Vortech MP-10 (X2), CPR CS90DX Overflow, Custom Acrylic Fuge, Reef Octopus DNW-110 Recirculating Skimmer, Mag Drive 7 Pump, JBJ ATO/w Aqua-lifter Pump... ect. Current Tank Info: 65 Gallon Mixed Reef

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Super Reef Octopus Skimmer Club!	drunkfish3	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	159	11/24/2018 02:14 PM
Which Reef Octopus Skimmer Should I Get?	drmrp17	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	8	02/19/2011 02:28 PM
anybody has the reef octopus bh 2000 hob skimmer	jenreef	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	0	07/08/2010 10:27 AM
BH-100 HOB Reef Octopus Skimmer	SaltwaterGal	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	2	04/26/2010 09:35 PM
LTB: Reef Octopus skimmer	dloveaz	Arizona - Fish & Reef Aquarium Group (FRAG)	1	04/24/2010 07:54 PM

12/04/2011, 08:44 PM	#2
lucas73 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 542	No experience with any of those but here are some review's.I am contemplating the BH 1000,still researching the skimmer I want. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...ct-bh1000.html http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octo...S-p/oc6118.htm

12/04/2011, 08:55 PM	#3
RN....... Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 29	I've got an eshopps psk-100h hob on my 60 gallon. It's my first salt tank and any experience with a skimmer, but it seems very well built and easy to put together. Pulls a ton of skimmate out too. It's rated for 100 gallons, but I'm not sure it right for your plans, but just my two cents.

12/05/2011, 10:09 AM	#5
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	I have the BH2000 and I love it. I never had the micro-bubble problem like a lot of people do. Here is a short video I shot.

12/05/2011, 03:45 PM	#9
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	The surface skim is adjustable. I have it set to work well when the tank is up to the bottom of the rim. The "teeth" are maybe 1". I have it about 1/2" below the bottom so maybe another 1/2" of water loss. You'll know before then because when the level gets low, it starts to suck in air and you'll see the air dancing around the skimmer intake area (see my vid, it was a little low when it was shot).

12/05/2011, 04:16 PM	#10
rjcranor Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Fort Gratiot Mi. Posts: 341	I have the Reef octopus skimmer bh 1000 model it works good. I have it on a 50 gallon tank, right now I have 4 fish a bunch of mushrooms, 1 coral and 1 plate coral. Plus clean up crew. Most of there skimmers are vague on set up though but you can get advice here or through company they were real helpful.

12/05/2011, 04:37 PM	#11
PHensley Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 64	Good reviews. I am interested in the reef octupus BH 1000 for my 55 gallon. For those with skimmer, have you experienced any overflows or is that a phenomenon that is caused by improper setup? Also, is the BH1000 enough for a 55 gallon or is the BH-2000 more suitable? Apparently Reef Octopus is coming out with the cylindrical BH-90 soon. It might be something to keep in mind if it is priced right.

12/05/2011, 04:44 PM	#12
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	The only way I think it could overflow is if the output got plugged up. And I don't think that would be easy. I stuffed the black sponge that it comes with in there and it was starting to overflow so I quickly took it out. Looking at the design, I don't think there is much danger of an overflow. Also note that I turned the output around to face the back of the tank. Most of the bubbles that do come out dissapate of you go this route. Watch out for height, the filter needs a tank at least 16" high to clear everything. (it hangs down 16" from the top edge of the tank)

12/05/2011, 06:04 PM	#13
rjcranor Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Fort Gratiot Mi. Posts: 341	I've not had any issues with overflow, there is a hole between the cup and return side that keeps water from overflowing. As long as you don't have the collection cup over the hole. You want it above the hole anyway for proper skimming.

12/05/2011, 07:02 PM	#15
jlanger Get busy living... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 406	I have had one of the Reef Octopus HOB skimmers running on a 45gal cube for almost two years now. It takes a little time to understand what you need to do to start it up (poor instructions/none) and how to keep it operating smoothly, but that's what these forums are for. If you want a nice affordable HOB skimmer, I would recommend the Reef Octopus skimmers. For those of you thinking about the 100 size model, consider getting the BH-100F. Two benefits of the BH-100F model over the standard BH-100: 1) The pump is located in the skimmer and not the tank. No fear of the pump sucking in any inhabitants and ruining your day. And the overflow box will skim the surface and is easily adjustable/removable. 2) The extra section at the end skimmer can be used to house your heater, filter pads and/or filter media. I also removed the black sponge. I made a custom guard at the return to wrap filter floss around to be a final trap for any debris and bubbles. Definitely pulls a lot of gunk out of my tank. Very pleased with it. Will be purchasing a Super Reef Octopus for my 120gal upgrade. -JASON

12/06/2011, 04:02 PM	#17
jlanger Get busy living... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 406	The water level in the last section runs just under 12 inches. -JASON

12/07/2011, 04:26 PM	#19
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	Btt

12/08/2011, 12:12 PM	#20
PHensley Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 64	I vaguely remember someone putting a heater in a BH-1000 in the return section but I am not sure if I am remembering correctly. Hopefully someone with the unit can chime in on the feasibility. I would think the 100f would be better suited to contain a heater since it has more water volume but the skimmer isn't as nice as the BH-1000. Do the CPR refugiums have enough room for a heater?

12/09/2011, 06:19 PM	#21
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	Can someone with one of these HOB's find a measurement for how large of heater would fit in the return section?

12/10/2011, 12:03 PM	#22
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	.....

12/11/2011, 04:07 PM	#24
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	Is the back pak similar in size to the Octo?

12/13/2011, 08:45 PM	#25
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	...............