Swapping out a rio from a Bak Pak

[justinx]

Well, I have pretty much come to the conclusion the the rio on my bak pak needs to be replaced. Its been about 10 months on the thing and has done well up to now, but its starting to function less than optimally.
I want to change it out, and would like to put a maxi jet on it, but I have the skimmer box. I have been told that the maxi jet is just slightly wider than the opening of the skimmer box. Does anyone have any experience with this, or am I stuck with another rio?
That, and are all maxi jets the same size, or are some bigger than others. I have some 400's and if they are the same size as the 1200's, then i can test it out with them.

 

[fshhub]

not sure, but i would try to change ot a maxi or a mag drive, i know one is compatible and can be adapted. Definitely do not go with anohter rio. and do so soon.
They are often disasterous when they do crash.

 

[justinx]

I know that the maxi will fit, but I want to be sure that I can still use my preskimmer bubble trap. I should probably just go ahead and do it, and make it fit.
Another question is should I buy a maxijet that is comparable in GPH, or should I go with something more. the 1200 was reccomended to me by an online retailer, but the rating on this is more than twice the rio. I was thinking that I should stick with something that is more complarable, but am not sure. any suggestions out there?

 

[evenkeel]

I'm courious about this also. JustinX, have you heard anything back about this or come up with a solution?
I haven't had the luck you have. My system has been running for 6 months and I've gone through 2 Rio pumps. I have two Maxi-Jets and they appear to be a hair too big to fit in the pre-skimmer box.

 

[justinx]

Well, I have not gotten an answer from anyone yet, but I have done some research on my own at the LFS. I have found that for sure, a Maxi Jet will fit into the remora preskimmer box/bubble trap. Exact same idea, only slightly different size. I dont know if it would fit into the CPR though. I am going to find out tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

 

[evenkeel]

Thanks JustinX,
I contacted CPR Aquatics and they directed me to a place called Premium Aquatics. PA said they currently don't have anything that would fit a bigger/better pump. They are working on one, but don't see it happening anytime soon.
Keep me posted.