Bubbles (Rio 600)

[cbianco]

Hey all

I have 2 Rio 600's providing the flow in my 24NC. The pumps are starting to shoot bubbles. I know what the problem is I just need some advice on the fix.

The pump has a output hole for flow (duh) and a plastic regulator/piping SLIDES into it. Unfortuantely, this regualator has a habit of backing out due to the water pressure. How can I make this regulator stick to the pump better (chemicals, glue?)?

Also, How can I properly seal flex tubing? The zip ties are no longer holding.

Thanks for any input!

Christopher

[subber]

I use stainless steel hose clamps on the pumps for the very same reason...they never let go unless you want them to. I got mine at an auto parts store , they are used on fuel lines which are very close to same size I needed but they had a selection of sizes.

[cbianco]

I use stainless steel hose clamps

I am not sure that I am comfortable using a metal clamp in my tank. I have always been under the impression that no metal should be used in the marine aquaria.

How long have you been using these clamps without problems?

Christopher

[subber]

More than a few years, most SS is inert in saltwater, if your RIO pump doesn't have a ceramic shaft, it is for sure SS. Most pumps are still SS shafts but some have changed to ceramic due to better wear properties. Tunze still uses a SS shaft and fittings on their pumps and equipment. I have two 3 year old tunze that have SS shafts and my algae clamp also has SS springs. Not all SS is the same, some works better in saltwater than others. There has been a few good articles on Reef Central about what type of SS is best when used in a saltwater tank.

[cbianco]

Ok I think I may take a trip over to Autozone, lol. Is there a particular brand that you used?

Have any ideas how to seal the regulator tube to the pump?

Christopher

[subber]

Not really, just make sure they are SS, they aren't available everywhere?
I don't know about the tube, never had that problem. You can always try some heat shrink in the right size, works wonders sometimes. Here's another place for SS clamps, they just happen to do it for marine uses:

http://www.budgetmarine.com/pdf/249.pdf#search='ss%20hose%20clamps'

8)
Most likely other marine places would carry them too.

[cbianco]

Awsome. Thanks a bunch for your help subber! :)

Anyone else having difficulty keeping the regulator tube in place, in their Rio's?

Christopher

[Bill S]

Hey folks be VERY careful about hose clamps in your tank. Buy ONLY FROM A MARINE STORE. Automotive stainless steel hose clamps have a mild steel screw in them that has been plated - and they DO RUST. This is a regular caution in my boating magazines...

[subber]

You're right on part of it, all clamps are not completely stainless, some do have a carbon steel screw , but some are. You need to see if the screw is SS also. Thay have both. Try to get Breeze SS clamps as the screw will have a 420 stamped on it telling you it is 420 SS as is the rest of the clamp. I don't know if autozone carries breeze, I bought mine at Rocky's Race parts and he had a wide variety of all SS hardware.