Would you use a Mag-Drive or Rio
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Forum Name: General Discussion
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URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22671
Printed Date: January 04 2026 at 4:15pm
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Topic: Would you use a Mag-Drive or Rio
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Subject: Would you use a Mag-Drive or Rio
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 9:36am
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At 6' of head which is more reliable and which is quieter?
Mag-Drive 18
Rio 26 Hyperflow ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Replies:
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 9:38am
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I have never used Rio pumps but have heard that they are not very reliable. I would go with the Mag.
Mike -------------  |
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 10:09am
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I've used both and I'd definitely suggest the Mag. Unless you don't mind taking the thing apart every time you want to restart it...
------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: shaggydoo
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 10:15am
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I'd recommend the mag but would keep a spare impeller assembly on hand. My impeller assemply broke within 10 months on my mag18. But the pump ran great until it broke and pretty dang quiet as well. The replacement impeller is like $25 so to have one on hand is great in the case of failure. I had to go buy an all new pump when mine gave out and it cost a lot more. ------------- 60g LPS Cube |
Posted By: ReefBones
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 11:14am
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personally I think you will get more flow from the REO HF however Mags are better pumps ... I have used REO for a long time with no problems what so ever .... but there are horror stories about them ... ------------- 140 gallon Reef 65 gallon Reef 55 gallon Aggressive www.thesalttank.com 801-865-6074 "encourage other divers and sea enthusiasts to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but bubbles" |
Posted By: cl2ysta1
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 11:17am
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mags always end up shocking us. They use a lot of electricity and put off a lot of heat IMO. we have a rio on one of our tanks, and dont have a problem with it, but i would do an external if that were an option. ------------- I <3 Boxers Achilles tang lover |
Posted By: Dion Richins
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 3:31pm
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I hate Rio's with a passion. If your going to shut it off and on more than once a month I would defiantly use a mag pump. ------------- http://www.customaquariumfurniture.com" rel="nofollow - Bad "censored" Cabinets Best quality in the valley! He is one sexy bald guy, even with out a finger!(MAC) |
Posted By: Corey Price
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 3:50pm
| Rio's are not on my recommended pump list. |
Posted By: Will Spencer
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 4:14pm
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I have used both as return pumps. I currently have a Mag 18 and won't be going back to Rio. I also use a couple Mag 36's on my pond and love them.
Careful though, they will break if you drop them on a cement floor.
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Posted By: Cody Pearce
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 10:10pm
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I have two large rios that I used to use for a return and both would not turn on unless taken apart. This became a big problem when we had the bad storms and the power would go on and off every once in awhile. I would be especially worried with one while I would be gone for more than a day or two. I don't think I would ever get an in sump return pump again. Salt water is just too harsh of an environment for the pumps to last long enough or at least the design has been such. I would definetly look into getting a external return as they are typically quieter and more reliable. ------------- 90 gallon mixed reef My fish swim naked. |
Posted By: bbeck4x4
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 10:38pm
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for me once the rio's have been in the tank for a few months they start to need a "bump" to get them going again, the mag's have done very well for me. and well external pumps, there is a reason that they are used for many commercial 24/7 applications, need I say more? ------------- Family Portraits /Google trusted Photographer for Google Maps for Businesses |
Posted By: hammerhead
Date Posted: December 23 2007 at 9:34am
Mag's are the only way to go . I've had mine for 6 years with no problems what so ever. The rio impeller will wear out fairly quickly.
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Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: December 25 2007 at 12:59pm
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Looks like the only reason Rio's are still sold is that most people don't do their research first. Thanks for all your replies. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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