Pump breakage, night before vacation! Anyone?

redlion4 · 12-22-2005, 12:18 AM

The center impeller shaft on our Rio 2100 snapped tonight, right in the middle. I am in need of an immediate replacement pump, as we are supposed to hit the road tomorrow mid-morning. I still have the pump running, but I can hear it grinding down...don't expect it to make it until morning.

This Rio is ~5 years old, and has actually done very well for us (I know there are many varied opinions on Rios). Opinions aside, I will want to pick up a new Rio 2100 or a comparable pump either from a close TCMAS member or from one of the local stores (SF or WOF) early tomorrow. We are in Lakeville and I am working the morning in Bloomington.

Pump requirements: compact size for in-sump, 3/4 inch output that can face upwards (side outlet will not work in our sump due to space restrictions), & rated at ~700 gph or so (Rio 2100 lists 692 gph). Price is negotiable given the last minute urgency. I will be checking this thread and placing phone calls first thing in the morning.

Hope my wife is up to driving...late night = sleeping on the road for me tomorrow

.

Thanks for any help you all can give!
Ryan.

carman34l · 12-22-2005, 12:22 AM

I am in lake elmo and have a rio 2500 you can have. you will have to pick it up though in White bear lake.

reefmyster · 12-22-2005, 12:43 AM

I have an imp for a 2500. I just put it in a 2100 (that also has a broken imp) and it works fine. I don't know how much more (or less?) it flows, but If you want it you can pick it up any time.

If you just need the ceramic shaft I have a couple of those lying around.

redlion4 · 12-22-2005, 12:55 AM

reefmyster - The shaft is exactly what I need! (I also just noticed that replacement impeller kits appear to come with these shafts too). Provided my impeller and inside of the Rio are not chewed to bits in the morning, where could I catch up with you to pick up / buy one of the shafts?

carman - Thanks for the offer. Just too far away to take you up on it tomorrow.

reefmyster · 12-22-2005, 01:06 AM

I have my last few appointments of the year Thurs morning. So I don't think I could meet up with ya anywhere.

If you want to pick it up at my house I can just leave it out for ya. You could come over now and pick it up if you wanted.

Lemme know I will PM you my address.

Tutmos · 12-22-2005, 01:08 AM

I have a Mag7 in the box in south Edina at my office. I could drive in tonight and leave it at the front desk for you if the other options don't pan out.

Loverotties · 12-22-2005, 06:14 AM

Better to happen now then after you left!Good luck!

mnreefgeek · 12-22-2005, 06:16 AM

Call Dirk first thing this morning. He is in Red Wing and has WHAT EVER you may need.

redlion4 · 12-22-2005, 07:39 AM

Morning update - pump is still running on broken shaft. It is still making more noise than it should, but appears not to be chewing itself up yet. I don't want to open it up out of fear I won't get it to restart again.

reefmyster - Thanks for the PM. I will likely leave work around 9:00 and swing by to pick up the impeller and shaft.

Tutmos - Not going to ask you to come into town. I think its covered at this point.

Loverotties - Great point. I tried to keep positive about it last night too, with the same reasoning. I was doing a water change which requires me to unplug that pump...no doubt related to the breakage. Glad we are home and can fix it up right before leaving.

mnreefgeek - I was thinking about that. Would really like to give Dirk some business...just too far out of my way in the wrong direction this morning

.

Ryan.

Twins Guy · 12-22-2005, 08:50 AM

hey ryan-
if it helps any...i'd be happy to swing by sf and get you a replacement pump...not sure if we have the replacement impellers but that could be an option too...
tg

redlion4 · 12-22-2005, 09:19 AM

tg - YGPM. Either PM me back, or even better --> call me at work (phone number in the PM). Ryan.

redlion4 · 12-23-2005, 03:10 PM

All is well. New pump installed quickly and smoothly, and we were able to hit the road. A huge THANK YOU to Twins Guy for his help (we owe you man)! January fish supply order will include a back-up pump to set in our closet. The Mrs. and I had discussed this for the last month or two, and kicked ourselves for not taking action on it!

Ryan.

smeese · 12-23-2005, 04:07 PM

Honestly IMO save the money on a back up and get a coral or something cool. There will always be TCMAS to back ya in a jam so I would not worry. I am glad you get to rest easy on the road. HAppy Holidays! Steve