Rio Powerheads?

[rskibum]

So, I've heard good things about RIO powerheads, and bought a couple to put in the tank I'm setting up. BUT 8O I've heard about them failing, and causing major catastrophes. Is this that typical, should I just plan on replacing them after say a year or so? Those of you that this has happened to, what do you think??

 

[Tybond]

I have had personal experience with the smaller rio powerheads (600's)

I HATED them!

They ran fine for like 3 months then would stick ALL the time. Clean them and they's run great for a month maybe then Clunk...clean again...

I switched over to Maxi Jet 1200's on my tank and havn't had a single problem.

What you have heard about the rio pumps is fact...they SUCK!!!!!!!!!!

IMO replace them now, try to take them back to your lfs if they are brand new.

I have talked with at least 5 others that have had the p%^s shocked out of them because their Rio stopped, got hot, and leaked water into the electrics.

Just my 2 cents

ty

 

[texman]

Ditto on what Tybond said! They suck! Who told you good things about them? Your LFS? They are lying. I have used them withe terrible results. They burn out very quickly, especially if your are cycling them on and off. If you run them continuously, they will have a longer life (maybe 1 year if you are lucky) They make nice targets for shooting at, however, and blow up nicely when hit with a high velocity rifle bullet.

 

[ReefMon]

Not only can they kill everything in your tank, but they have the potential to burn your house down too...

This 2500 was in my water change vat when it blew-up.

 

[Carpentersreef]

I had a rio 2500 that melted and I lost half of my SPS and had a huge job of cleaning up.

Don't take the chance.

I'd rather stir the tank water with my hand every 15 minutes than put another rio powerhead in.

Mitch

 

[Roach]

Well I've used 'em for a couple of years with no problems. I had them going as circulation pumps only, never cleaned them and they always worked. Only problem I had was the suction cups not sticking so I switched to hagen's so that they could hang on the rim of the tank...works great. I wouldn't use a rio for a return pump either as I have heard way to many horror stories on this board and from others.