Shopping for return pump. Opinions on Rio?

[firebirdude]

I'm shopping for a return pump for my nano tank w/sump. Head Height will be about 4 1/2' and it will have atleast four elbows. I was hoping for around 200gph output at that configuration.

I realize Ehiem pumps are great, but the 1250 is only rated at 150gph at that height with no elbows/valves figured in. The next model up is the 1260 with a rating of about 425gph@4.5ft. On top of that, they're pretty pricey. Ocean Runner is another popular choice, but they do not offer a pump weak enough for my needs. I have not heard positive results about the Quiet One pumps, so I'd like to steer clear of them too. The Mag pumps are known to be well built, sure, but run hot. And that is the number one problem with my nano tank. I live in Florida and with such a small tank, I'm fighting heat issues year around.

Which brings me to Rio. They offer a wide variety of small scale pumps. At that height, I'd look into the 1700. But I've got to be honest, the only person I've known to run them was a local LFS. He mentioned them while he was telling me how they just failed on him and did some damage to a display tank in the store. What do you all think? Opinions? Options?

[billdogg]

IMO, you can't go wrong with an eheim. Rio's have a bad rep - when they fail, they will nuke your tank. you can alway put a ball valve on the eheim to throttle it back if it's too much

JM.02

[lombard0]

I'm using a RIO 2500 for my tank's return pump and haven't failed me so far (running for more than two years now). I only turn them off during cleaning though. And I do have a 1700 as a back up.

[ultimatemusky]

I have had 2 rio 1700's running for 7 years without fail or noise. I've never had any other pump work as well for so long. So IME they have been exceptional.

[baldomero]

ive had a rio in my sump for about 4 years and even when running dry cause tank level went low it made some noise but never burned out itsa good pump

[Darkstar22]

I've had Rio's for 10+ years without a failure.

[Snakebyt]

might also look into something like a mag 5

[firebirdude]

Thanks for the replies. One last question...

If I increase the pipe diameter larger than the return pump's outlet connection size, would this lower my head pressure further yet? Most pumps that I'm looking at have a 3/4" outlet, but I must run 1" piping. (Long story, don't ask)

[Jackie Blue]

I don't know I think it might increase the head pressure since you have to push more water up the pipe because of the increased diameter.

[NirvanaFan]

with 4 90 degree elbows and 4.5' of head, the Eheim won't push 425 GPH. I'd guess that it's more like 350 GPH. The elbows will restrict the flow considerably.

Increasing the diameter of the pipe will cause head pressure to increase (and flow to decrease) because it has to push more water. If you add a .5"-1" adapter right near the pump, it will increase head significantly. If you add it near the display, it won't as much.

I don't have any experience with Mag or Ocean Runner pumps, but my 1260 has been running for 2.5 years with only one cleaning.

[MichaelLitoris]

The 1260 is a monstruosity for a nano. Even the 1250 probably is too much too. Shoot for a 5 to 10 times the return volume at 4 1/2' .

Now if heat is a problem, before dumping more money into a nano would you consider a slightly larger system? a 60 cube with a 45 sump perhaps? the larger volume will slowly disipate heat during the night and will take longer to absorb it back during the day.

[lombard0]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15622525#post15622525 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firebirdude
Thanks for the replies. One last question...

If I increase the pipe diameter larger than the return pump's outlet connection size, would this lower my head pressure further yet? Most pumps that I'm looking at have a 3/4" outlet, but I must run 1" piping. (Long story, don't ask)

Headloss will significantly increase IMO.

[droberts]

my rio works great very quiet

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15622525#post15622525 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firebirdude
Thanks for the replies. One last question...

If I increase the pipe diameter larger than the return pump's outlet connection size, would this lower my head pressure further yet? Most pumps that I'm looking at have a 3/4" outlet, but I must run 1" piping. (Long story, don't ask)

You will be fine with 1" piping. Granted this is a different pump ( external Velocity T2 )), but years ago I went from 1/2" piping (( the way my LFS had set it up )) to 1" piping and my flow rate increased, by a good margin.

[reefkeepa14]

i have never had a rio fail on me in 12 years...but people just love to hate them..lol anyway, good luck with whichever return pump you choose.