Taam Rio
Review of Aquarium (& Pond) Power Head Pumps
No to pick on about.com (mentioned them in an earlier post in Fish as Pets), however after an email form a hobbyist about aquarium power heads/pumps I thought I would investigate what is being said in reviews and stumbled across an article with the reviews of five different power heads.
Either they are from another planet or I must live in a parallel universe!
First they left off the list two of the best aquarium and pond power head/ water pumps then their reviews were quite contrary to my extensive experience with these pumps in literally 100s if not thousands of aquariums over the years in my aquarium maintenance business.
Here are six pumps I will review (including refutations of their comments):
*ReSun; this pump (power head) was totally left off their list, although not as well known in the USA/Canada they are very popular in Asia and Australia. ReSun has some sizes such as the #6 that are quite capable for very “mucky” pond environments and yet operate very well. The stainless steel coated impellers along with the ceramic shafts found on the larger models) are extremely durable and almost never fail.
These pumps are very reliable and start up without a problem; they also have very excellent head pressure (in fact among the best)! ReSun pumps can be submersed or place in line.
The models 3A, 5, and 6 are awesome in heavy duty applications such as ponds or very large aquariums where high flow and head pressure are necessary (as well as ability to deal with large amounts of particulates in the water).
About the only con is that with their heavy duty construction, these pumps can be somewhat noisier than some others (although still not bad here either). ReSun power heads are also not as adjustable in flow as some other power heads, but this a minor inconvenience IMO.
*Via Aqua; ; this is a real workhorse line of pumps that is VERY widely used in the professional aquarium maintenance community yet did not even get mentioned by about.com (go figure!). These pumps in the power head line (not the basic line) also have ceramic shafts and very durable construction. Via Aqua pumps (along with ReSun) can be used in sumps or as a power head and have excellent head pressure. The Via Aqua power head line (such as the VA 1300) can be submersed or used in line which adds to versatility that not all pumps can match. For Aquarium sumps (usually in marine applications) the Via Aqua 2600 and 3300 are unsurpassed in usefulness.
Again the only con is these pumps are a little noisy, but only when used in line (they are a little quieter than the ReSun line when submersed). Via Aqua power heads (as with ReSun and Rio) are also not as adjustable in flows as some other power heads, but this a minor inconvenience IMO. This inconvenience is more than made up for in versatility! I will also admit to a couple of models by Via Aqua that I not recommend due to less than desirable durability and these are the 2300 and 4900.
*Rio (by Taam); although no longer a preferred pump by me as the person who founded Rio started Via Aqua and improved on some of its problems. These are still excellent pumps IMO and although I partly agree with about.com with their assessment, I think they go overboard with their comments as to high maintenance. Rio power heads are very powerful with excellent head pressure (depending on the model).
The cons are the impeller (although very durable), seem to have problems in environments (especially ponds or dirty aquariums) that have a lot of debris and organics in the water column. However they still are very good at starting up when used as wave makers and are properly maintained. These pumps are also not adjustable in their flow
*Maxi Jet Power heads; I will have to agree the most with about.com on their assessment of these pumps. They are reliable and economical and start back up easily even when used as wave makers. However they do have their cons and that is they have poor head pressure and are not very versatile (unlike the Via Aqua, ReSun, and Rio pimps) as they are only power heads and nothing more.
*Penguin Power Heads; I do not generally agree with assessment by about.com on these power heads. Although they do have a neat feature with the reverse flow power head for UG filters (which are not very common anymore though), the other nice feature is the adjustable flow feature.
However nice these features are these power heads have a poor track record for reliability, they have very poor head pressure, and do not re-start well after the pumps have been in service for a while (in applications such as wave makers).
*Hagen Aqua Clear Power Heads; this pump is also over rated by about.com in my extensive experience with them. I have used more Aqua Clear power heads than ANY other (including the Via Aqua pumps I now generally recommend). When these power heads first came out they were industry leaders in design, however they are of 1980s technology IMO and although they are better than Penguins in reliability and head pressure, they still would stop and not re-start in many of my applications when power was even briefly interrupted, making them a poor choice for wave maker applications. Aqua Clear power heads also do not handle high organic/debris loads well and need more maintenance than the Rios that about.com claimed needed!
Bottom line with Aqua Clear power heads is that they are reasonable “retro” pumps, but certainly NOT the latest in technology!
*ZooMed Power Sweep; even though I sold these in my business, I rarely recommended them. They are basically a gimmicky power head with poor head pressure and low output. They are not real durable and the “sweeping” directional output feature is run by cheap plastic gears that often fail. These pumps do not handle high bio loads well and are best used in small aquariums or better vivariums where not much is asked of them.
SUMMARY:
I have had persons also ask me why many brands such as Via Aqua are not as commonly available as Hagen and does that make them of lower quality as no one really wants them?
The answer is quite simple; Hagen is sold through a larger network of mainline Pet Store distributors (although they are now transitioning to their own in house distribution system). This system promotes an all or nothing approach to marketing their products basically meaning you carry the whole line (good and bad) or not get discounts or even sell anything at all. This marketing system has been very successful (not to mention slick packaging), however this does not mean a better product.
Via Aqua (among many other high end brands) does not sell through traditional marketing distribution methods and systems, rather it sells many high end Marine fish importers and similar without all the expensive marketing gimmicks. This in particular places their products in the hands of Aquarium Maintenance Professionals who do not care about slick marketing or whether it is the fad, rather whether it works or not which is why Via Aqua and many other similar high end companies choose to sell this way.
For further information and pictures in an article that is still being added to, please visit this url:
REVIEW OF AQUARIUM (& POND) POWER HEAD PUMPS BASED ON REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE
About the Author
I am 49 years old and have been in the Aquarium (& Pet ) business since I was 17. I have a spouse (Jodie), and 3 children (Michelle, Danielle, & Timothy). I recently sold my LFS in LA and moved to Oregon to be near my sister who is gifted in helping with our children, who all have special needs (Autism and more)
TAAM Rio NanoSkimmer in operation
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Taam Rio+ 1000 Powerhead/Pump UL $29.99 |
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Impeller assembly TAAM Rio HyperFlow Hyper Flow 10 HF $25.90 |
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Impeller assembly TAAM Rio HyperFlow Hyper Flow 12 HF $29.00 |
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Impeller assembly TAAM Rio HyperFlow Hyper Flow 8 HF $19.90 |
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Rio 200MM Magnet Mount Pump Holder & Algae Cleaner Taam $15.99 |
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Seio 820 Impeller Super Flow Pump Taam Rio $17.99 |
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Rio 300MM Magnet Mount Pump Holder & Algae Cleaner Taam $21.99 |
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Taam Rio Coral Target Aquarium Fish Tank Feeder 2pk $13.98 |
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Taam Rio Professional Heavy Duty Coral Clipper For Medium SPS. $19.99 |
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Taam Rio 1100 Pond Aquarium Pump 382 gph $28.95 |
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NEW Taam Rio 3100 Impeller Pump Power Head Replacement Part ***FREE SHIPPING*** $32.99 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 12 Powerhead 750gph Rio12HF $47.95 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 17 Powerhead 1090gph Rio17HF $57.50 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 20 Powerhead 1290gph Rio20HF $65.50 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 4 Powerhead 260gph Rio4HF $16.25 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 6 Powerhead 350gph Rio6HF $19.00 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 8 Powerhead 550gph Rio8HF $20.50 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow Mini 150 Powerhead 40gph $12.99 |
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Taam Rio 600 RVT (rejuvenating venturi) Powerhead/Pump $21.99 |
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Taam Rio 32 Hyper Flow Water Pump $110.00 |
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Taam Rio+ 3100 Replacement Impeller with Shaft $37.49 |
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Rio Internal Aquarium Powerheads Pumps (all sizes) Taam $17.59 |
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Rio Internal Aquarium Powerheads Pumps (all sizes) Taam $43.79 |
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Rio Internal Aquarium Powerheads Pumps (all sizes) Taam $69.99 |
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Rio 180 Mini Aquarium Fountain Pump/Powerhead 120 GPH Taam $16.95 |
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TAAM RIO Seio Magnet Mount or Algae Cleaner $15.95 |
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Taam Rio+ 2100 Powerhead/Pump UL $46.99 |
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Taam Rio+ 2500 Powerhead UL $61.98 |
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Taam Magnet Mount MM300 for Rio+ 1100-1400, Seio 1100- $33.49 |
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Taam Rio Mini Sun Daylight Lighting Fixture – 10 White LEDs – USED $9.99 |
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TAAM Rio Motion Double Duckbill Rotator 1/2″ 400-800 $7.40 |
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TAAM Rio Motion Double Duckbill Rotator 3/4″ 1100-3100 $12.50 |
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TAAM Rio Motion Single Duckbill Rotator 1/2″ 400-800 $4.95 |
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Impeller assembly TAAM Rio HyperFlow Hyper Flow 17 HF $41.50 |
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TAAM Magnet Mount MM200 Algae Cleaner Pump Holder Rio 1100 1400 Seio 620 820 $19.25 |
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TAAM RIO 2100 Pump Replacement Impeller Assembly $18.95 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 12 Powerhead 750gph Rio12HF $47.95 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 17 Powerhead 1090gph Rio17HF $57.50 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 20 Powerhead 1290gph Rio20HF $65.50 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 4 Powerhead 260gph Rio4HF $16.25 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 6 Powerhead 350gph Rio6HF $19.00 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 8 Powerhead 550gph Rio8HF $20.50 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow Mini 150 Powerhead 40gph $12.99 |
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TAAM Rio+ Plus 600 Aqua Pump Fountain Submersible Powerhead 200 GPH NIB $19.25 |
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TAAM Rio Hyperflow 17 Submersible Water Pump 1090 gph $58.40 |
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SEIO PROP 530 gph Water Pump TAAM RIO Low Shipping!! $39.95 |
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SEIO PROP 1000 gph Water Pump TAAM RIO Low Shipping!! $41.95 |
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Taam Rio+ 2100 Replacement Impeller w/ Shaft $21.99 |
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Taam Rio+ 1400 Powerhead/Pump UL $36.99 |
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Rio Aqua Pump Powerhead Taam 50 $14.95 |
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TAAM Rio+ Rio Plus 1700 Aqua Pump Powerhead 642gph NIB $37.50 |
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TAAM Rio+ Rio Plus 2500 Aqua Pump Powerhead 782gph NIB $50.75 |
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Taam Rio + 1700 Aqua Pump / Powerhead 642GPH $49.99 |
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TAAM RIO CORAL DELUXE FEEDER SET FOR REEF AQAUARIUMS $19.95 |
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Rio Plus 800 Submersible Aquarium, Pond, Hydroponics Water Pump Powerhead Taam $28.24 |
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Rio Aquapump / Powerhead Internal Power Filter Replacement Kit Taam 90/180 $1.99 |
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Rio Plus 600 Submersible Aquarium, Pond, Hydroponics Water Pump Powerhead Taam $24.65 |
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Taam Rio Nano Skimmer Filter Cartridge 6/pk $10.99 |
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Taam Magnet Mount MM200 for Rio 1100-1400, Seio 620-82 $25.49 |
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TAAM Rio 2800 SS 800 GPH Aquarium Pond Fountain Water Pump Powerhead 12 ft Head $39.00 |
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Taam Rio Nano Protein Skimmer $36.99 |
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Taam Rio+ 3100 Powerhead UL $75.99 |
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Taam Rio+ 800 Powerhead/Pump UL $24.99 |
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Replacement Impeller assembly for TAAM Rio + Plus 1700 $15.75 |
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Taam Rio 10 Hyperflow Aquarium Fish Pump Powerhead $32.99 |
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Rio 180 Aqua Pump / Power Head Impeller Taam $5.99 |
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Taam Rio 3100 Plus Aquarium Fish Pump Powerhead $64.99 |
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Taam Rio 4 Hyperflow Aquarium Fish Pump Powerhead $20.99 |
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Taam Rio 17 Hyperflow Aquarium Fish Pump Powerhead $57.99 |
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Taam Rio 20 Hyperflow Aquarium Fish Pump Powerhead $64.99 |
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Taam Rio 26 Hyperflow Aquarium Fish Pump Powerhead $82.99 |
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Taam rio 1700 internal filter $59.99 |
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Rio+ Plus 90 Powerhead Aquarium Submersible Pump 85 GPH NIB TAAM $19.20 |
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TAAM RIO MINI 90 INTERN.FILTER $24.99 |
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Rio+ Plus 90 Submersible Pump 85 GPH Powerhead Aquarium Fountain NIB TAAM $13.45 |
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TAAM Rio+ 200 *UL* 3 Prong Aquarium Pond Fountain Submersible Water Pump 138 gph $16.50 |
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Taam Rio Seio M620 Pump (600gph) Submersible Pump $28.99 |
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Taam Rio SEIO Prop 530 (530gph) Submesible Pump Only 7.5watts $39.99 |
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TAAM Rio+ Plus 400 Aqua Pump Fountain Submersible Powerhead 144 GPH NIB $19.25 |
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Taam Rio Life Plant Tool Dual Aqua Scaper $7.99 |
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Taam Rio Coral Feeder (2pcs) $12.00 |
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TAAM Rio+ Plus 800 Aqua Pump Fountain Submersible Powerhead 211 GPH NIB $22.75 |
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TAAM Rio+ Plus1000 *UL* 3 Prong Aqua Fountain Submersible Pump Powerhead 271gph $22.70 |
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Taam Rio Life Plant Tool Essential Trimmer $17.99 |
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Taam Rio Coral Feeder Deluxe Set (4pcs) $18.99 |
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Taam Rio Life Plant Tool Precision Trimmer $23.99 |
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Taam Rio+ 2500 Replacement Impeller w/ Shaft $31.99 |
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Taam Rio Plus 800 Pump\Power Head (271 Gph) – Ul Liste $25.97 |
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Taam Rio Mini Polario Pump 1000 Gph $84.97 |
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Taam Rio Mini Polario Pump 1800 Gph $107.97 |
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Taam Rio Mini Polario Pump 2600 Gph $115.97 |
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Taam Rio+ 1100 Powerhead/Pump UL $30.99 |
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Taam Rio+ 800 Powerhead/Pump $21.99 |
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Taam Rio Plus 180 Powerhead/Pump $14.99 |
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Taam Rio Mini Sun – Daylight & Deep Sea Blue $25.65 |
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MINI POLARIO 4ML Dual Action Low Voltage Turbine Wavemaker Pump by TAAM / RIO $89.99 |
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MINI POLARIO 7ML Dual Action Low Voltage Turbine Wavemaker Pump by TAAM / RIO $119.99 |
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MINI POLARIO 10ML Dual Action Low Voltage Turbine Wavemaker Pump by TAAM / RIO $129.99 |
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Taam rio 1700 internal filter $59.99 |
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TAAM RIO MINI 90 INTERN.FILTER $24.99 |
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Dual Outlet Automatic Timer $10.00 Use this automatic dual outlet timer for your lights and wave-making power heads. It has a splash resistant cover to protect the timers and your 3-prong plugs from getting wet. A master on/off switch allows easy control and the front interval dial can be set to a minimum of 15 minute intervals. Great for Dawn to Dusk Cycles. UL Listed. … |
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TAA CARTRIDGE NANO SKIMMER 4PK $6.99 This durable filter cartridge is constructed of strong polyfiber to grab dirt and debris. It contains top quality carbon to help remove contaminants from your aquarium water. To maintain a healthy environment in your aquarium, the filter cartridge should be changed every 2-4 weeks. Use as directed…. |
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TAAM RIO NANO FLTR CART 2 PK $2.99 Rio Replacement Filter Cartridge For Rio Nano Skimmer… |
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LG LINE PUMP 4-MDQ-SC 810GPH $197.68 4-MDQ-SC Line Pump Little Giant Pump Company Quarium series magnetic drive pumps are specially designed to handle mildly corrosive chemicals like sea salt and handle circulation and filtration applications. The motors are thermally protected and the pumps are UL listed and CSA certified.850 gph @ 1 ft head810 gph @ 3 ft head765 gph @ 6 ft headMax head 24.3 ft1 in in X 1/2 in out1/10 HP115V 60Hz1… |
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Rio Plus Impeller Unit-2100 $13.99 Replacement impeller assembly with shaft for Rio 2100plus ATA00823…. |
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Rio HyperFlow 8HF Replacement Impeller Kit $29.99 Rio HyperFlow 8HF Replacement Impeller Kit… |
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Rio Threaded Pipe Adapter 3/4 Inch … |