Reef octopus bh1000 set up questions

Red254 · 08/29/2012, 09:06 PM

So I received my bh1000 today and the instructions might be the worst of all time

But my question is two parts. 1: I didn't receive the blue sponge everyone is talking about is that a bad thing? 2: is there a thread or video I can follow to set this up?

johnc99 · 08/29/2012, 11:59 PM

I have a BH-2000.

AFAICT it looks like Coralvue have changed the design of the surface skimmer and the return now incorporates a bubble trap. With the older design the "blue sponge" was a cheap-man's bubble trap. Since the return now includes a bubble trap, there's no need to include the blue sponge. IME the blue sponge was only necessary when the skimmer was breaking in. Even then I objected less to the micro bubbles. So I ditched the sponge (actually I use a piece as a pre-filter for a Maxi-Jet). I also ditched the back sponge that was inside the return chamber.

In the new design, I would take off the black sponge that's around the outflow if possible.

Setting up is fairly easy. Use the pics on the Coralvue site and the included instructions (although they are quite 'sparse' they aren't too bad to follow). It should just be a matter of connecting the pump to the skimmer (remembering the o-rings) and the air intake to the pump.

blur456 · 08/30/2012, 07:55 AM

Hey Red254,

I just set up my BH1000 this week. I'm a complete newbie to this. The units currently shipping are slightly different than you'll read about in older threads and youtube videos. The return flow setup is different like johnc99 states. The intake is also slightly different (round chamber instead of the square box chamber).

The unit comes mostly assembled so its really just a few connections you need to make. The o-rings fit in small cavities on the fittings so its really easy to determine where each of the three rings go. There is an older youtube video that walks through the installation. If you're a newb like me, it shows two interesting parts: one that you need to remove a plastic cover on the pump, and two how to prime the pump.

One bit of advice: the rubber band around the collection cup is only there to help you set the level of the cup in the chamber. You must tighten the thumb screw to hold it in place. Once the collection cup starts filling with stuff, the band by itself will hot hold the weight of the cup and the cup will slide farther down into the chamber, possibly causing an overflow situation.

hope this helps.

AnselnEdie · 08/30/2012, 07:07 PM

I looked for better setup instructions too and couldn't find any. Just tried to make it look like the diagram and the pictures on the coralvue site.

I didn't use any of the sponges included. Just a maintenance problem IMHO. You will probably want to cut down the length of the intake tube so that the surface skimmer will actually skim the surface.

The little air valve they send is worthless. Just kink the air intake or cover with your thumb when you first start the skimmer to clear all the air trapped in the system.

FWIW, the instructions for all skimmers suck as far as I've seen.

08/29/2012, 09:06 PM	#1
Red254 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: epping, nh Posts: 135	Reef octopus bh1000 set up questions So I received my bh1000 today and the instructions might be the worst of all time But my question is two parts. 1: I didn't receive the blue sponge everyone is talking about is that a bad thing? 2: is there a thread or video I can follow to set this up?

08/29/2012, 11:59 PM	#2
johnc99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Gatos, CA Posts: 224	I have a BH-2000. AFAICT it looks like Coralvue have changed the design of the surface skimmer and the return now incorporates a bubble trap. With the older design the "blue sponge" was a cheap-man's bubble trap. Since the return now includes a bubble trap, there's no need to include the blue sponge. IME the blue sponge was only necessary when the skimmer was breaking in. Even then I objected less to the micro bubbles. So I ditched the sponge (actually I use a piece as a pre-filter for a Maxi-Jet). I also ditched the back sponge that was inside the return chamber. In the new design, I would take off the black sponge that's around the outflow if possible. Setting up is fairly easy. Use the pics on the Coralvue site and the included instructions (although they are quite 'sparse' they aren't too bad to follow). It should just be a matter of connecting the pump to the skimmer (remembering the o-rings) and the air intake to the pump. __________________ We must recognize the dignity which all creatures possess, and we must respect it for as long as we have them in our charge. - "Coldwater Fish" by Roy Pinks Current Tank Info: 40B FOWLR w/ Eshopps R-100, Aquamaxx ConeS CO-1, Eheim 3000+ return, AquaticLife 4x39w HO T5s Last edited by johnc99; 08/30/2012 at 12:02 AM. Reason: Answered 2nd question

08/30/2012, 07:07 PM	#4
AnselnEdie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 68	I looked for better setup instructions too and couldn't find any. Just tried to make it look like the diagram and the pictures on the coralvue site. I didn't use any of the sponges included. Just a maintenance problem IMHO. You will probably want to cut down the length of the intake tube so that the surface skimmer will actually skim the surface. The little air valve they send is worthless. Just kink the air intake or cover with your thumb when you first start the skimmer to clear all the air trapped in the system. FWIW, the instructions for all skimmers suck as far as I've seen. __________________ Tank Info: 10g IM Fusion, 2 o.clowns, yw goby, tiger pistol shrimp

08/30/2012, 07:55 AM	#3
blur456 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 90	Hey Red254, I just set up my BH1000 this week. I'm a complete newbie to this. The units currently shipping are slightly different than you'll read about in older threads and youtube videos. The return flow setup is different like johnc99 states. The intake is also slightly different (round chamber instead of the square box chamber). The unit comes mostly assembled so its really just a few connections you need to make. The o-rings fit in small cavities on the fittings so its really easy to determine where each of the three rings go. There is an older youtube video that walks through the installation. If you're a newb like me, it shows two interesting parts: one that you need to remove a plastic cover on the pump, and two how to prime the pump. One bit of advice: the rubber band around the collection cup is only there to help you set the level of the cup in the chamber. You must tighten the thumb screw to hold it in place. Once the collection cup starts filling with stuff, the band by itself will hot hold the weight of the cup and the cup will slide farther down into the chamber, possibly causing an overflow situation. hope this helps.