Pump won't restart

[Raydee]

I am having a problem with my Rio 2100 in my wet/dry. I shut it off at feeding time and then turn it back on about 15 minutes later and for some reason it won't start pumping. The pump is about a week old. Is this a common problem with submerged pumps? Is there a way to fix it? It will eventually start back up and run fine but it is a pain in the butt to have to wait sometimes up to an hour to get it to work!

[slipknottin]

common problems with all submersible pumps- no
common problem with Rios- yes. To restart it you sometimes need to give it a good smack.

Their big glory feature of having low energy consumption and low price come at a price. Their tiny oil filled motor cant restart itself after a power outage, or keep itself cool if the water level drops.

Rio's have a bad reputation, and with good cause. The oil in there motors has been known to explode from the pump causing major problems throughout the tank. Rio's also have higher instances of pumps jamming, pumps not restarting, and pumps "leaking" electricity into the water.

[Raydee]

What would you suggest for a better submersible pump that will pump out the same amount of water? I think its right around 690GPH.

[gcvt]

I replaced my Rios with a Supreme Mag Drive pump. I got the Mag12 (1200gph). They make a Mag9 that pumps 900gph and a Mag 7 at 700gph.

The Mags are reasonably priced and have a good reputation; I'm happy with mine.

[slipknottin]

Agreed with Greg. The Mag line of pumps definatly seem to be the most popular.

There are also the Dolphin pond master line that Ive been hearing good things about.

Eheim just came out with a bunch of new submersible pumps with higher flow rates. Eheim is first rate on everything they make..

[fishfreek]

Is that model RIO as easy to take apart as the smaller models? If so take the motor assembly apart and clean the impeller and the impeller housing.

It might also help to soak the pump in vinegar as this will help remove any hard mineral deposits.

[reefer_wannabe]

Let me preface this by saying that I do not dispel any comments about Rio pumps. I have heard too many horror stories about them from too many people I trust implicitly.

That said, I have a Rio 1700 on my 55 as a return pump. I have had this configuration for over a year and not had 1 single problem. I do not start and stop this pump alot, though. Only when it's time for a water change (when I remember, that is!). I am not foolish, though. I have a spare very close by......:D :rolleyes:

[Raydee]

It seems that the problem has something to do with the impeller itself. When I can't get it to start if I unplug it and turn the impeller just a bit and then plug it back in it will start every time.

Now I seen to have another problem with it. When I first bought it the pump was very quiet. Now for some reason it is so loud I hate it. It sounds like the impeller is hitting the sides or something. It is not a vibration noise at all. Anybody have any idea what can be wrong with it? If I was to go out and get a Mag pump instead will I still be able to use the 3/4 return line that I am using now? What a pain!!

[slipknottin]

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_ph_danner.asp?CartId=

[scottdwh]

What are your opinions on penguin powerheads?

[littleprince]

If you want a ph, go with the maxijets.

The Mags are great, but may leak where connected, so most people prefer to keep them inside a tank or sump or whatever.

[Raydee]

Well I took that Piece of crap Rio back to the store and man did they give me a hard time! I explained all the problems I was having and the guy told me that I must have been using it wrong or something. He then plugged it in and of course it worked for him and then he said that it was fine and gave it back to me. It was so noisy and busy in there that you could not hear all the noise it was making. At that point I told the guy that I wanted that peice of junk replaced or I wasn't leaving and he could talk to my lawyer. Finally another worker came over and said he would replace it. As we were walking over to the pump isle he told me that the rio's have a lot of problems and I should invest a little more in a Mag Drive. He suggested that I get a Mag 5 even though it has less flow it will still be good for my wet/dry. On the way home I kept thinking that I bought a smaller pump and I made a mistake...that was until I hooked it up and let it rip. Man this pump has way more flow than the rio. So far it is awesome.

[afkouns]

Anybody try the Via Aqua Pumps? Are these good/bad?