serious question about pumps

[Nameless]

I'm going to ask some questions here that I know are going to get me into trouble, but I'm going to ask them anyway, so please be gentle.

I have a Rio 1700 on my protein skimmer and a Rio 2100 on my return pump.

How many people have PERSONALLY had a problem with Rio pumps? And of you, how many of these problems affected your whole tank? If I have to replace these, it's really going to cut into my new fish budget....

Is there a way to run these safer?

And as I said, please be gentle, I'm still new to this hobby and this board.

 

[SteveP]

I lost a 2100 that was running my Turboflotor. Irt seized and burned out. No smoke or oil slicks, but I got a very light shock when I put my hands in the sump water. Felt like paper cuts.

Steve
8{I

 

[newkie]

I've had a problem with a Rio600 with a bad cord. I've also had a couple of the small ones melt on me of they run dry. The deal with affecting the whole tank is they tend to melt and release a toxic oil in to the water. I'd put it on my list of things to upgrade, but wouldn't necessarily freak out either. Look in to Mag submerssibles when the time comes. HTH

 

[newreefman1]

I had same prob as steve above. Minor shock and burnt motor. Smelled bad too. No affect on tank however maybe cause it was grounded?

i suggest not using rios unless you are using the tiny ones like 180 and 400s

 

[Anonymous]

I've had a larger Rio (1200) burn out. When plugged in, it emitting acrid fumes, and, upon removing the upper cap (around the cord), a chunck of the plastic case had been burned/destroyed/opened...