Industry Contact
Hello Bob,
<Scott F. here today!>
I came across your site while looking for the Rio brand manufacturer. Our company (micromark.com) is developing a product that requires the use of a miniature water pump to apply coolant in while machining metal. I can't seem to find the manufacturer anywhere. Do you have an address/phone number etc.? Or is there a US office/distributor? I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks.
<Taam's address is:
5500 Adolfo Rd. 
Camarillo, CA 93012 
(805)383-3565
Hopefully, they can be of assistance to you! Regards, Scott F.>

Picking A Pump!
Hi,
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
My first choice for new pumps would be RIO, since I have 2 without any problems for 15 odd years. Since so many hobbyists have problems these days with RIO I changed my mind. I guess their quality is not what it used to be?
<Actually, I think that RIO quality is better than it ever was. It seems to me that RIO pumps are so prevalent in the hobby, that almost everyone seems to have one. When you have millions of units out there, you're gonna have the most failures, too...Goes with the territory. They are not the highest quality units out there, but they are certainly not the worst, either!>
Is GENX and SEN good pumps, are there any known problems with these 2 makes, do they last long, etc?
<Both have good reputations. If you want indestructible powerheads, look to the higher-end Tunze Turbelles and Geminis. Good stuff...>
What other good makes are there on the market?
<As above. In my opinion, if you want a great, reliable, and long-lived pump (not powerhead)- look no further than Iwaki! I love 'em. Lots of other brands out there, so ask around and see what your friends are using!>
Thanks Mohamed.
<My pleasure! Regards, Scott F>

Rio Replacement...?
Hello crew!!  Back in January I bought an Aqua C Remora Pro skimmer with a Rio pump for my quarantine tank and all was running well until the power went out for about a minute a few days ago.  The pump won't come back on even after taking it apart and cleaning the impeller and housing.
<I hate it when that happens!>
I contacted Aquatic Warehouse, where I bought the skimmer, about the problem and they said I needed to contact the manufacturer of the Rio pump about replacement of the impeller or the pump. Funny thing is they don't have the number so I can contact them.   My problem is I can't find any info on the net (Google) as to where I can contact the maker of the Rio pumps/powerheads for replacement.  Does the crew have an address or phone number of the Rio manufacturer so I can get a hold of them?  I would appreciated any assistance at all from any of The Crew.  Thanks again for all the help, Jeff
<The manufacturer/distributor is TAAM, Inc. Their fax number is 805-383-3565...Hope this Helps...Scott F.>

Rio Pumps and TurboFlotor Skimmers
Thanks for the GREAT site! I think I have read every page at least once and many pages multiple times. Based primarily on your advice, I purchased the TurboFlotor T1000 with Rio 2100 pump for my nascent 75 gallon reef. I did keep an eye on the Rio pump as recommended by many sources. Everything worked great until a power outage and the RIO did not restart and just sat in the sump making heat. I removed the needle-wheel impeller and tested the pump and sure enough it wouldn't restart after disconnecting the power to it. I went to Home Depot and purchased two nylon washers that fit the impeller shaft end that goes in the motor housing, reinstalled the needle-wheel impeller, and reassembled everything. After many tests and successful restarts, I left it alone for a while. This morning was our first power outage in months and sure enough, the Rio pump restarted as soon as the power came back on. The two $.50 nylon washers seems to fix the problem (at least this time). Monty
<Thanks for the information! -Steven Pro>

Science Fair Help...Pump Selection
<Hello, Ryan helping you today!>
Hi!  I need help on my science project. I want to make a model of the circulatory system which is a closed system.
Instead of just drawing the blood pathways, I thought it would be cool if I can use clear tubing and have some red-liquid (for blood) to go around and around.  Is there a micro battery pump out there that I can use?
I asked the pet store but they only sell air pumps.
<I'd try and find what's called a powerhead.  A company called Rio makes inexpensive products, no need to spend much for a pump that will only run a few days.  Try and make your "blood" mixture with a little dissolved solids as possible...They may clog pumps.  Liquid food coloring would be a good safe bet.>
I need a small
inexpensive pump that would cause the liquid to move around in a loop.  Any ideas.  Pls
help!!
<Use the powerhead, but take some tubing with you and make sure that it fits snugly...You can use Teflon tape to ensure a clean seal.  It's also very cheap.>
I want to have a COOL display for my science project.
<And with great ideas like this, I'm quite sure you will.  I'd love to see a picture of the final project!  The best of luck my friend, Ryan>
Thanks,
trying to get an A+

Rio powerheads
I purchased a 2500 RIO PUMP/POWER HEAD 14 months ago and have been
running it in a 93 gallon aquarium. Every month when I do my water
change I also open the Rio pump and clean with fresh water, then I run the Rio pump for a short time in clean fresh water.  The pump has quit working. I checked everything but still won't work.  I have a very small stock, 1butterfly, 1 hawk, 4 damsels.  My question is, I thought the RIO pump was suppose to be a good pump.  I'm not so sure.  What pump would you recommend?  
Thank you, Mona
<Hmm, Depends on who you talk to Mona!  Some like em' and some don't.  I have an older model running a CPR skimmer that (knock on wood) just keeps going.  I have heard and read otherwise, like from yourself.  A good choice if it fits would be a Mag-drive matched to the required flow.  Best of luck, Craig>