Pump Recommendations???

[jt09]

So I have read the post from BigBs titled "Plumbing Rio 3100 as a return" and all the replies saying how bad Rio pumps are and (finally!) why they are so bad. OK, I am convinced that I have a pump (Rio 1700) that will eventually kill my tank in any number of ways. My questions to you all are these:

What brands do you recommend?

What makes these brands good buys?

Where can you buy them either locally or online?

Your suggestions will help keep my tank alive!

[golfish]

I'll give it a shot.....

1- I would suggest a Sen or any Mag pump other then the Mag 7

2- If its going to be used inline (external) the Mag tend to leak. I have one Mag being used external (6 months) and no leaks yet. Who cares if they leak a little if its submerged. I have a Mag 7 that has to be lifted out of the sump and slapped around to get it started. I have talked to many people who have the same probelm with the Mag 7.

3- http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ory_Code=Pumps


4- How are you using the Rio 1700? Sump return? Skimmer?


Mark

[jt09]

I am using the Rio as a sump return and it seems to be doing fairly well. I do have to whack it around a bit at times to get it to start sometimes.

The Sens seem to be quite a bit pricier than the Rios and the Mags even a bit more. Is the Sen the most reliable pump out there?

[jt09]

What is an external pump?

Also, as I poke around on the net, I see skimmers that have a recommended pump associated with them. If I have a return pump in my sump, do I also need another pump for the skimmer?

[golfish]

I used a Rio for 5 years and never had a problem unti it burned up and polluted the tank. Its a good thing I had another tank. External meaning to use outside the sump (not submerged)

Do a word search on the BB's you visit. I bet you don't find anything good about Rio's except for the price.

Sens are good pumps and so are Mags. You get what you pay for

[Ironreef]

sens are good at pressure they are fair pumps but mine didn't last to long. I prefer mag pumps. they are a little quieter but not much. Both are way better than rio. Rio pumps loose alot of power as they age. Mine always burned out after 6+ mo no matter what brand or gph. I guess I'm lazy and didn't clean them enough. I clean my mak4 and Iwaki every year or sometimes twice a yr they are solid. But they are external. Ampmaster are probally nicer