Preference, Rio 2100 or ???

[Sparg93]

I have a Rio 2100 as a return pump in my sump (only 46g tank) and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for a "better" pump that is comparable ~700g/hr.

What do you guys think??

Thanks!

-Craig

 

[d4a2n0k]

Rio's have a bad reputation of leaking and destroying tanks. I would recommend you use a Mag 7 instead. MAG 7

 

[ledford1]

I would avoid Rio pumps.

For a good submersible pump, I like the Mag pumps.

 

[Sparg93]

Thanks for the advice, i've heard the same thing about them.

I guess i've been lucky though as this Rio has been running for two years (bought it used) and is quiet w/o flaws...i also have a Rio needwheel running my TurboFloater (also about 2years old) and it runs flawless.

This next pump is going to be a backup to the Rio return just in case it craps out one day... i think i'm going to try the Mags you have recommended.

Any other opinions?!?

 

[d4a2n0k]

Another great brand of pump, probably the best readily available pump in the U.S., is Eheim. They will cost 2-3 times the comparable MAG pumps but they are better against head pressure. An Eheim rated about the same as the MAG 7 will pump a few hundred GPH more when they are plumbed up. They also last forever, are quiet and run very cool.

Just throwing out another option.

 

[Sparg93]

Thanks d4, i've heard some great things about the eheim as well, but like you said, the price is higher but so is the quality.

-Craig

 

[d4a2n0k]

Another thing, I would recommend you immediately swap the pumps as soon as you get the new one. Keep the RIO as a backup. RIO's tend to not just stop working but leak the case oil into the tank destroying everything or worse yet, electrocute everything. Don't wait for that.

You have had no problems yet....but don't wait for a problem as when there is it will be a big one. There are hundreds of posts about RIO's doing this.

 

[sherm71tank]

The cord on my Rio cracked and exposed the conductors inside. I agree, do the swap now.

 

[d.can82]

Depending on what you're using it on, oceanrunner pumps from aqua-medic also have a good reputation. Quiet Ones are another option, all besides the power hungry mag-drives of course.

 

[donski]

I will never use a rio product again.Zaddep everything in the tank once.

 

[twkenny]

Re: Preference, Rio 2100 or ???

Preference, Rio 2100 or ???

Anything!

 

[Entropy]

I would swap to a Rio 12HF. A little more flow than the 2100 (about 100gph) and very reliable. I am running one side by side with a Mag 7 right now. Four months so far with zero problems.

Keep in mind that most powerheads are not designed to last forever and also need to be cleaned frequently. I get the feeling a lot of Rio horror stories come from people that expect forever, and assume self cleaning.

 

[Detritivore]

if you can afford it, the eheim pumps are very reliable and have an excellent reputation.

hth

 

[Sparg93]

wow, no kidding.

I had no idea they had problems with the casing, i figured if i just kept up the maintenance it would be alright... i'll order a new one tonight when i get home considering how cheap pumps are in comparison to the livestock.

Thanks for all your advice!!

-Craig

 

[MiddletonMark]

I'd swap for a new one - keep the used as a spare.

Personally, I've had good luck with Mags, and when I ran the tank that used one - nearly upgraded to an Eheim. Higher cost, but most folks say it pumps a lot more water [while the #'s might be equal, the Eheim will move more water] ... and lower power use.

 

[Kaptain]

I swaped my Rios out for Quiet Ones. I just keep the rios around as backups and for wter changes. The 4000 and below are all extremely quiet - no prblems.