Rio Problems

russel · 03-14-2005, 10:33 AM

I just had a older rio 1700 crap out this weekend. I looked on the inside of the shaft that the impeller sits in and it was all warped and pitted. No loss for me as i got these with a steal of a deal on a sump package.

I know that i have heard tons about these pumps failing. I just never bothered to ask what was wrong with them. What was the major feedback on these pumps?

mg · 03-14-2005, 10:38 AM

I believe the problem is with the thermal overload protection in that there is none in these pumps. They can overheat and malfunction or burn out releasing toxins into the water.

russel · 03-14-2005, 10:46 AM

Thus that would have been exactly what happened with this same powerhead, correct? Powerhead started overheating and warped the shaft.

mg · 03-14-2005, 10:52 AM

The fact that the shaft was pitted makes me think that some debris may have been getting in there as well. Not really sure exactly what happened in your case. In most instances it is the seals that let go that protect the motor housing from contacting the water. Every time I hear one of these stories I keep wanting to replace the Rio hooked up to my skimmer. I keep putting it off because I want to get a new skimmer. I think luck is on your side that nothing was affected in the tank!

russel · 03-14-2005, 11:02 AM

the 1700 was the pump i used to supply my skimmer. I still have a 2100 on the skimmer. In time i plan to replace the 2100 too. I just need to wait till the timing is right to explain additional expenses to the wifey

What is the brand that they recomend for turbofloaters?

manderson0805 · 03-14-2005, 11:06 AM

Ocean Runner

russel · 03-14-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manderson0805

Ocean Runner

Thanks!!

roon21 · 03-15-2005, 09:35 PM

rio's are cheap you get what you pay for just like every thing else OR's have been pretty good for the change$

Jive Turkey · 03-16-2005, 11:26 PM

Man, those old ones suck. A friend had a big one burst open in his tank, presumably electricuting the lionfish to death, and it left a brown oilslick at the top.

HFG · 03-17-2005, 03:39 PM

I have been shocked by my 2100. It never starts up, unless you stick a chopstick in there. My first 1700 lasted all of 1 year.

russel · 03-17-2005, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jive Turkey

Man, those old ones suck. A friend had a big one burst open in his tank, presumably electricuting the lionfish to death, and it left a brown oilslick at the top.

man, i sure am glad this didn't happen to my tank!!

russel · 03-17-2005, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFG

I have been shocked by my 2100. It never starts up, unless you stick a chopstick in there. My first 1700 lasted all of 1 year.

I have had to use the chopstick method on different powerheads, on the 1700 the chopstick method didn't work- using the bang on it a couple of times worked the best.

mg · 03-17-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFG

I have been shocked by my 2100. It never starts up, unless you stick a chopstick in there. My first 1700 lasted all of 1 year.

I used that method on a 2500 that was running my skimmer. Finally bought a mag 9 on Tuesday. It inspired me to redo all of my plumbing last night, about half way done. Hopefully all goes well.

HFG · 03-17-2005, 04:20 PM

I have never had a problem with my mags or maxijets... and I really abuse them! I hope they work as well for you, MG.

mg · 03-17-2005, 04:35 PM

Do you have any tricks to quiet the vibration of the Mag drive pumps when used as submersable? I was going to just put a piece of foam under it instead of it just sitting on the glass. I already have a piece of foam between the baffles to my last chamber in my sump before the return so cleaning an extra one every week wouldn't be a big deal. Any other ideas?