Rio v.s. Eheim submersible pumps

3rdimension · 05/04/2013, 08:01 PM

Rio brand used to be #1 choice for a while when I first started the hobby about 10 years ago and is still a fairly popular choice for various reasons, but in the past decade I'm noticing more people leaning toward Eheim for it's extra quite performance and solid flow output compared to other brands.

However Eheim pumps cost 3-4 times as much as Rio in comparison when it comes to the flow charts for each.

How much more quite is an Eheim pump than a Rio pump?

I've used rio pumps for a long time without any problems. They also tend to give out fairly accurate flow rates at low wattage, I think?

I've never owned an Eheim due to how expensive they are, their higher wattage output and the overall dimensions is what turned me off to them.

Anyone else have the chance to compare the difference in flow rate v.s. quietness with these two brands? Particularly these two models?

I was comparing the Rio plus 1700 to the Eheim 1260 and here's the comparison chart, Price, Flow rate, Watt usage etc.

Taam Rio+ 1700 Powerhead UL Information
Current sale price at marine depot $43.99
Flowrate of 642 GPH

Watts 23

Gal/Hour @ 115V. 60Hz
0` 1` 2` 3` 4` 6` 8` 10`
642 620 486 418 352 180 - -

Max Lift in Ft. 7.5`

Dimensions: 5.1" x 2.75" x 3.75"

Hose connection 3/4" I.D. Hose

Eheim 1260 Universal Pump:
current price at marine depot $189.99
Pump Output: 635 gph

Delivery Head: 12`1"

Power Consumption: 65 W (120V/60Hz)

Hose Connection (Suction Side): 1"

Hose Connection (Pressure Side): 5/8"

Dimensions: 8.6" x 4.6" x 6.3"

Weight: 6.0 lbs

j tavares · 05/04/2013, 08:34 PM

Eheim is WAY MORE RELIABLE and QUIET than RIO and I have six eheim 2217 on tanks and three 1260 pumps running my fish roomfor 20 yrs w/o one breakdown or problem

Ruu · 05/04/2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j tavares

Eheim is WAY MORE RELIABLE and QUIET than RIO and I have six eheim 2217 on tanks and three 1260 pumps running my fish roomfor 20 yrs w/o one breakdown or problem

What he said. I've had half a dozen eheim pumps, some running for 10 years now. If it matters that it is running, it will be running an Eheim on my system.

Dave

3rdimension · 05/04/2013, 09:16 PM

thanks. I may consider testing one out, even if it is way more expensive, consumes double the power, thus giving off twice as much heat for the same amount of flow and the dimensions and weight are twice as much. If I would compare submersible pumps to vehicles. I would say Eheim brand are like the gas guzzling expensive SUV's and Rio's are more like the light weight, more gas milage efficient Saturn vehicles. I guess it all depends on how big your tank is and what you're trying to achieve and how long you plan on staying in the hobby.

outssider · 05/05/2013, 06:00 PM

my rio 1700 is using 42 watts right now

ssscuz · 05/05/2013, 08:25 PM

I don't know about rios but I just changed from a cheap 4000lph to an eheim compact 5000. The eheim would have 2-3 times and easily half as quiet as the old one.
I will never go back to cheap pumps again.

Kattes · 05/06/2013, 05:24 AM

My oldest eheim was bought around 22 years ago. Still kicking and silent.

For some reason though, my experiences with the more affordable and more energy efficient compact series hasn't been as good. None of them have died, but they do seem to develop a bit of noise after a year or so if they have to push a lot of pressure.

billdogg · 05/06/2013, 05:40 AM

I have a 1262 that I got used from the LFS I worked at. It had been used as an external pump for their feeder goldfish tank for an unknown number of years when I acquired it. I took it home, cleaned it, and put it to use. I have changed the impeller maybe once. I clean it about once a year. And I got it about 1988 or so. I just got another for my upgrade (sumpless 60 to 120 w/sump). It will be the return pump for that system. I expect that it will last as long as the tank.

I've had a couple rios over the years as well. None has lasted longer than 2 or 3 years.

3rdimension · 05/06/2013, 01:21 PM

I appreciate everyones feedback with their personal experiences. I'm thinking of looking into one of the compact series. First I need to find and purchase a wider sump or just build one myself so that i have more room to place wider pumps in.

Reeferz412 · 05/06/2013, 01:44 PM

I had a rio600 that was 8+ years but it slowly started to die. I have also had rios for a few months and they died. The bigger model the rio is, the worse it is. I have had an eheim pump which was used as a fountain pump since 1998. It has moved to another fountain and state and undergoes all sorts of torture and keeps truckin along. Those pumps are built to last.

telijah · 05/06/2013, 02:00 PM

It should be no shocker that the pumps costing 3-4 times as much last longer and should be more reliable, and only one or two posted personal experiences with Rios. Now, I am no fan boy or anything, but I have had my little Rio for close to a year, and it is very quiet and runs like a champ, and it was bought used! Forgot which one I have, but I think it was max rated at like 600gph. Just wanted to give more input from the cheaper side of the line

Yes, you might get what you paid for, but hopefully not all the time.

Armand9601 · 06/15/2013, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rdimension

thanks. I may consider testing one out, even if it is way more expensive, consumes double the power, thus giving off twice as much heat for the same amount of flow and the dimensions and weight are twice as much. If I would compare submersible pumps to vehicles. I would say Eheim brand are like the gas guzzling expensive SUV's and Rio's are more like the light weight, more gas milage efficient Saturn vehicles. I guess it all depends on how big your tank is and what you're trying to achieve and how long you plan on staying in the hobby.

Isn't Saturn out of business?

rachenbrazil · 06/15/2013, 06:40 PM

If don't need high pressure or higher height output, rio may seem reasonable but if your are running skimmer or as return pump... Eheim is the solidaria choice. Rio 1700 and eheim 1260 are very different that's why price and consume are so different i had 2 running for almost 20 years without any problem. Rio are ok but need to schedule change in 5 - 6 years that usually is a short time in my case...

Mudbeaver · 06/15/2013, 06:49 PM

Wow great thread i was in the market for a new sub pump i came to the right place Eheim it is then thanks lol. Search over. Any paricular models that outstanding. 1" outlet.

bangbangkhan · 06/15/2013, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudbeaver

Wow great thread i was in the market for a new sub pump i came to the right place Eheim it is then thanks lol. Search over. Any paricular models that outstanding. 1" outlet.

you won't be disappointed with the eheim!

oquockyo · 06/15/2013, 09:45 PM

Only Eheim here . Never failed me yet.

mkj · 06/16/2013, 01:38 AM

they both suck, get a DC pump, then I can welcome you to the modern aquarium hobby

Armand9601 · 06/16/2013, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkj

they both suck, get a DC pump, then I can welcome you to the modern aquarium hobby

Which model would you recommend for a 60 gal cube with a Eshopps RS-75 refugium?

I don't mind investing now & not having to worry about replacing in a couple of years.

Mudbeaver · 06/16/2013, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armand9601

Which model would you recommend for a 60 gal cube with a Eshopps RS-75 refugium?

I don't mind investing now & not having to worry about replacing in a couple of years.

Then go for Eheim then. i just spent 2hours on other sites and its all i read Eheim, never mind DC no site seem to talk about them anyway.

SaltwaterSensei · 06/16/2013, 07:46 AM

eheim are time tested and proven workhourses. DC is great but if you want to be absolutly certain about your a pumps reliability then its going to be an eheim. I have a eheim that I got in the mid 90s and I plan on still using it when my new tank gets here. I've almost developed a sentmental attachment to eheim pumps because out of all the equipment woes I've had over the years non of them were eheim related.

williewilliams · 06/16/2013, 07:54 AM

I love my rio 1100 for pumping water when doing water changes from my mixing buckets, but I wouldn't trust the $22.00 pump to be reliable enough to run my system. Inexpensive pumps have there place, not sure if its place is as my return pump though. I'll use my iwaki for that.

Mudbeaver · 06/16/2013, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltwaterSensei

eheim are time tested and proven workhourses. DC is great but if you want to be absolutly certain about your a pumps reliability then its going to be an eheim. I have a eheim that I got in the mid 90s and I plan on still using it when my new tank gets here. I've almost developed a sentmental attachment to eheim pumps because out of all the equipment woes I've had over the years non of them were eheim related.

Are they silent though, its my concern in the operating sense, we have skimmers, and others stuff, just saw a few horrible vid just now, i just wrote Eheim about it asking if they where going to back me up if their product was going to be noisy. Hoping for a good responce i've given them the YouTube vid refference in example.... I imagine if some kept their's for 20 years it must be silent too lol.

05/06/2013, 05:40 AM	#8
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I have a 1262 that I got used from the LFS I worked at. It had been used as an external pump for their feeder goldfish tank for an unknown number of years when I acquired it. I took it home, cleaned it, and put it to use. I have changed the impeller maybe once. I clean it about once a year. And I got it about 1988 or so. I just got another for my upgrade (sumpless 60 to 120 w/sump). It will be the return pump for that system. I expect that it will last as long as the tank. I've had a couple rios over the years as well. None has lasted longer than 2 or 3 years. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

05/06/2013, 01:44 PM	#10
Reeferz412 Coral Hoarder Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,247	I had a rio600 that was 8+ years but it slowly started to die. I have also had rios for a few months and they died. The bigger model the rio is, the worse it is. I have had an eheim pump which was used as a fountain pump since 1998. It has moved to another fountain and state and undergoes all sorts of torture and keeps truckin along. Those pumps are built to last. __________________ Alex FMAS Member Current Tank Info: 400 Gallons of frags... 30 gallon Deep Blue mixed reef ... 70 other tanks throughout south FL

05/06/2013, 02:00 PM	#11
telijah Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Saint Petersburg, FL Posts: 175	It should be no shocker that the pumps costing 3-4 times as much last longer and should be more reliable, and only one or two posted personal experiences with Rios. Now, I am no fan boy or anything, but I have had my little Rio for close to a year, and it is very quiet and runs like a champ, and it was bought used! Forgot which one I have, but I think it was max rated at like 600gph. Just wanted to give more input from the cheaper side of the line Yes, you might get what you paid for, but hopefully not all the time. __________________ Equipment: 40 gallon breeder and 20 gallon sump; 1 x 250w HQI MH 15,000k; 4 x T5HO blue; 4 x moon light LEDs Stock: 2 Percula Clownfish; 2 mated CBS

06/15/2013, 06:40 PM	#13
rachenbrazil Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil Posts: 738	If don't need high pressure or higher height output, rio may seem reasonable but if your are running skimmer or as return pump... Eheim is the solidaria choice. Rio 1700 and eheim 1260 are very different that's why price and consume are so different i had 2 running for almost 20 years without any problem. Rio are ok but need to schedule change in 5 - 6 years that usually is a short time in my case... __________________ Love Fishes 200 G soft coral reef with vertes ômega 150. 25 G nano reef cadlights nano pls50

06/15/2013, 06:49 PM	#14
Mudbeaver Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Gatineau , Canada Posts: 1,379	Thanks guys Wow great thread i was in the market for a new sub pump i came to the right place Eheim it is then thanks lol. Search over. Any paricular models that outstanding. 1" outlet.

05/04/2013, 08:01 PM	#1
3rdimension Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 243	Rio v.s. Eheim submersible pumps Rio brand used to be #1 choice for a while when I first started the hobby about 10 years ago and is still a fairly popular choice for various reasons, but in the past decade I'm noticing more people leaning toward Eheim for it's extra quite performance and solid flow output compared to other brands. However Eheim pumps cost 3-4 times as much as Rio in comparison when it comes to the flow charts for each. How much more quite is an Eheim pump than a Rio pump? I've used rio pumps for a long time without any problems. They also tend to give out fairly accurate flow rates at low wattage, I think? I've never owned an Eheim due to how expensive they are, their higher wattage output and the overall dimensions is what turned me off to them. Anyone else have the chance to compare the difference in flow rate v.s. quietness with these two brands? Particularly these two models? I was comparing the Rio plus 1700 to the Eheim 1260 and here's the comparison chart, Price, Flow rate, Watt usage etc. Taam Rio+ 1700 Powerhead UL Information Current sale price at marine depot $43.99 Flowrate of 642 GPH Watts 23 Gal/Hour @ 115V. 60Hz 0` 1` 2` 3` 4` 6` 8` 10` 642 620 486 418 352 180 - - Max Lift in Ft. 7.5` Dimensions: 5.1" x 2.75" x 3.75" Hose connection 3/4" I.D. Hose Eheim 1260 Universal Pump: current price at marine depot $189.99 Pump Output: 635 gph Delivery Head: 12`1" Power Consumption: 65 W (120V/60Hz) Hose Connection (Suction Side): 1" Hose Connection (Pressure Side): 5/8" Dimensions: 8.6" x 4.6" x 6.3" Weight: 6.0 lbs Last edited by 3rdimension; 05/04/2013 at 08:07 PM.

05/04/2013, 08:34 PM	#2
j tavares Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,157	Eheim is WAY MORE RELIABLE and QUIET than RIO and I have six eheim 2217 on tanks and three 1260 pumps running my fish roomfor 20 yrs w/o one breakdown or problem

05/04/2013, 09:16 PM	#4
3rdimension Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 243	thanks. I may consider testing one out, even if it is way more expensive, consumes double the power, thus giving off twice as much heat for the same amount of flow and the dimensions and weight are twice as much. If I would compare submersible pumps to vehicles. I would say Eheim brand are like the gas guzzling expensive SUV's and Rio's are more like the light weight, more gas milage efficient Saturn vehicles. I guess it all depends on how big your tank is and what you're trying to achieve and how long you plan on staying in the hobby.

05/05/2013, 06:00 PM	#5
outssider Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Reseda, Ca. Posts: 1,717	my rio 1700 is using 42 watts right now

05/05/2013, 08:25 PM	#6
ssscuz Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 150	I don't know about rios but I just changed from a cheap 4000lph to an eheim compact 5000. The eheim would have 2-3 times and easily half as quiet as the old one. I will never go back to cheap pumps again.

05/06/2013, 05:24 AM	#7
Kattes Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 28	My oldest eheim was bought around 22 years ago. Still kicking and silent. For some reason though, my experiences with the more affordable and more energy efficient compact series hasn't been as good. None of them have died, but they do seem to develop a bit of noise after a year or so if they have to push a lot of pressure.

05/06/2013, 01:21 PM	#9
3rdimension Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 243	I appreciate everyones feedback with their personal experiences. I'm thinking of looking into one of the compact series. First I need to find and purchase a wider sump or just build one myself so that i have more room to place wider pumps in.

06/15/2013, 09:45 PM	#16
oquockyo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 104	Only Eheim here . Never failed me yet.

06/16/2013, 01:38 AM	#17
mkj Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 210	they both suck, get a DC pump, then I can welcome you to the modern aquarium hobby

06/16/2013, 07:46 AM	#20
SaltwaterSensei Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: ainrofilac lartnec Posts: 2,182	eheim are time tested and proven workhourses. DC is great but if you want to be absolutly certain about your a pumps reliability then its going to be an eheim. I have a eheim that I got in the mid 90s and I plan on still using it when my new tank gets here. I've almost developed a sentmental attachment to eheim pumps because out of all the equipment woes I've had over the years non of them were eheim related. __________________ if you're looking for me you better check under the sea, 'cause that is where you'll find me. Current Tank Info: Waiting for a 48x36x28 rimless to arrive

06/16/2013, 07:54 AM	#21
williewilliams Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: southeastern, PA Posts: 334	I love my rio 1100 for pumping water when doing water changes from my mixing buckets, but I wouldn't trust the $22.00 pump to be reliable enough to run my system. Inexpensive pumps have there place, not sure if its place is as my return pump though. I'll use my iwaki for that. __________________ Just enough fish to make the normal visitors understand why there is a big glass box of water and rock on display. Current Tank Info: 3 shallow rimless tanks. 2 full of sps and 1 with zoas/palys.